When someone says "Happy" Veteran's Day, I wonder about the connotation. Is it a happy day? Other than getting a day off and the parades and other events.... are we keen to the sacrifices the military has made throughout the ages for their country and their leaders? Their people... families...
Today is somber and as I write this, it is cold and somewhat overcast. I can see the sun beginning its ascent in the east and by all accounts, it should make for a beautiful sunrise. Many of us see this day as any other. As I am retired Air Force, I am privileged to see this same sun rise everyday and set - but here are thousands... millions of servicemen who will never get that simple opportunity again. You and I are here because of them.
I believe many people take this for granted, but I know many others - those survivors of the conflicts - do not. They live everyday with a flag in their yard, a bumper sticker on their vehicle or a vivid memory of fighting, death and loss. The families remember too. Graves are visited and adorned with flowers and tears of those who left us too soon - all in the name of freedom.
We honor our Veterans today with tributes, free food, parades and reflection. It is no small sacrifice to give their lives and livelihood for a nation that often times seems beyond saving. But our country is one that will always be ours and throughout our short history those who have served in the military did it for different reasons... school, to support a family, carrying on a family tradition or the sense of duty. I did it it because at that time, I had no where else to go. I had no purpose or reason and I thought, no future. I found by joining a certain camaraderie and an immediate family and a tight-knit community. I found a home in the Air Force and I will never forget those friends and memories.
The military is a family. It is a microcosm of what we could be as a nation with a common purpose. Maybe that is what the "happy" means. Maybe it's not a disregard to the painful memories, but of those we had while serving. Maybe when you look to a Veteran and see him or her salute as the America flag walks by and there is a tear in their eye, they are remembering what it meant to them, under the wing of a nation. The military, whether Coast Guard, Marines, Army, Navy or the Air Force, all serve with a purpose and for the common good - to protect this nation.
I want to thank all of those who had served in the past, serve now and for those who are considering serving in the future - there is no greater joy than giving of yourself for the protection of this country. Thank you for all you do. We are here for you. We are your family.