Today is one of the most revered days in our country’s year,
Veterans Day. We honor those who have served and defended our nation from enemy
forces; who’ve fought in far off lands, on the beaches of Normandy, the dense
brush of Vietnam and in the deserts of Iraq and Afghanistan.
I stand with many others today who salute those warriors,
those still with us from as far back as WWII, hoping they realize how much
their sacrifice means to those of us who’ve been fortunate never to experience
war of any kind firsthand. Yes, I’m a Navy veteran but I never served in harm’s
way and to me that makes a great difference compared to those who’ve seen
friends die before their eyes, lost their sight, arms, legs or use of their
body at all.
The trauma of such loss finally found a diagnosis in the
form of PTSD. Who knows how many veterans from WWI and WWII lived through their
remaining days never realizing what caused their anger, withdrawal or suicidal
thoughts. It’s imperative, in light of their service and of PTSD, that we take
time as often as possible to let them know we value them, not only as veterans
but as people.
Today is one opportunity for us to thank those men and
women. But, please, make it more than an annual event. If you see someone with
a ball cap signifying them as a veteran or you attend an American Legion or
other military function, take time to shake their hand and express your
gratitude. You’ll never know the impact of your brief message to them.
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