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Last night Meredith was part of a Veterans' Day program at her high school. She and some other ASL students signed along with portions of the program. To be perfectly honest, had Meredith not been in it, I would never have thought to go to any Veterans' Day-related events. I'm glad I did, though.
For most folks, myself included, Veterans' Day is one of those holidays that passes by without notice. Heck, I don't even get a day off of work for it. I probably wouldn't even realize when Veterans' Day is if it weren't for Meredith reminding me to come watch her, and James bragging that he got to sleep in today because he works for the local government. We should take notice, though. Not only should we take notice, we should take TIME to show our gratitude and appreciation for the freedoms we have today. Were it not for veterans, those freedoms would not exist for us.
At the high school last night the band played patriotic music, students recounted local tales from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, a video of local veterans was played, and current and former members of the armed forces were asked to stand and be recognized. Also, a 1998 graduate of Mer's school came back to speak.
1st Lt. Nick Compher attended VMI after graduating from high school and signed up for the Army Reserves. In 2004 his reserve unit was called up and sent to Iraq. He recounted close calls and remembered friends who were injured or lost in battle. He talked about South Korean and Australian soldiers who had approached him at various times, asking to take a photograph with him. Not because he was Nick Compher, but because he was an American soldier and they respected our goals in Iraq. He spoke mostly, though, of the hopeful and proud attitudes of the men with whom he served, both from the U.S. and other countries. Lt. Compher talked about a commander in the Iraqi army who asked him to help rebuild 14 outposts along the Iraqi border. This man had lost 20 family members in the Iran-Iraq war twenty plus years ago, but he was always upbeat, proud to be building a better future for his country. Lt. Compher expressed his displeasure that these are never the stories that get told by the press.
One of the students said something that I wanted to share.
It is the veteran, not the priest, who gave us the freedom of religion.
It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who gave us the right to a speedy trial.
It is the veteran, not the poet, who gave us the freedom of speech.
Remember that.
I'm fortunate to live fairly near Arlington National Cemetery. If ever I forget what has been sacrificed, a quick trip to the rolling landscape of white stones with names of the men and women who served, fought, and died to protect ME is all the reminder I need.
What reminds you? When was the last time you thought about HOW our country became the most prosperous, the most free country in the world? When was the last time you were thankful to those that sacrificed so that you can live in the comparative luxury that you do?
For most folks, myself included, Veterans' Day is one of those holidays that passes by without notice. Heck, I don't even get a day off of work for it. I probably wouldn't even realize when Veterans' Day is if it weren't for Meredith reminding me to come watch her, and James bragging that he got to sleep in today because he works for the local government. We should take notice, though. Not only should we take notice, we should take TIME to show our gratitude and appreciation for the freedoms we have today. Were it not for veterans, those freedoms would not exist for us.
At the high school last night the band played patriotic music, students recounted local tales from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, a video of local veterans was played, and current and former members of the armed forces were asked to stand and be recognized. Also, a 1998 graduate of Mer's school came back to speak.
1st Lt. Nick Compher attended VMI after graduating from high school and signed up for the Army Reserves. In 2004 his reserve unit was called up and sent to Iraq. He recounted close calls and remembered friends who were injured or lost in battle. He talked about South Korean and Australian soldiers who had approached him at various times, asking to take a photograph with him. Not because he was Nick Compher, but because he was an American soldier and they respected our goals in Iraq. He spoke mostly, though, of the hopeful and proud attitudes of the men with whom he served, both from the U.S. and other countries. Lt. Compher talked about a commander in the Iraqi army who asked him to help rebuild 14 outposts along the Iraqi border. This man had lost 20 family members in the Iran-Iraq war twenty plus years ago, but he was always upbeat, proud to be building a better future for his country. Lt. Compher expressed his displeasure that these are never the stories that get told by the press.
One of the students said something that I wanted to share.
It is the veteran, not the priest, who gave us the freedom of religion.
It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who gave us the right to a speedy trial.
It is the veteran, not the poet, who gave us the freedom of speech.
Remember that.
I'm fortunate to live fairly near Arlington National Cemetery. If ever I forget what has been sacrificed, a quick trip to the rolling landscape of white stones with names of the men and women who served, fought, and died to protect ME is all the reminder I need.
What reminds you? When was the last time you thought about HOW our country became the most prosperous, the most free country in the world? When was the last time you were thankful to those that sacrificed so that you can live in the comparative luxury that you do?
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