Today is Veterans Day, no apostrophe because it is not a day that belongs to veterans, it is a day for honoring all veterans.
I live with a man who enlisted in the navy in 1954 during the Cold War, a state of political and military tension between the United States and Russia. The threat of nuclear weapons wafted over the globe like a mushroom cloud. After ten months of intensive schooling, Ken spent three years as an ordnanceman handling ammunition and bombs carried by the planes aboard the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Bennington. The Big Benn was part of the Seventh Fleet that furnished on-the-spot protection to the United States foreign policy across the far eastern seas whenever and wherever required. The men trained every day but Sunday to be ready to do whatever might become necessary.
Ken and I were in love. Each summer during his four-year hitch, he came home on a thirty-day furlough. The rest of the time, we exchanged letters. I wrote to him every evening. He responded intermittently. During his leave in August 1957, I joined his family to view the slides he’d taken while aboard ship. My boyfriend’s pictures and commentary helped me understand his dangerous work. I was more patient when a lot of time elapsed between his letters.
Two years ago last May, Ken joined Vets Roll, the annual, four-day, bus trip from Beloit, Wisconsin, to Washington, D.C., for 200 veterans and “Rosie-the Riveters” to see the memorials. Fundraisers, donations and volunteers allow the non-profit organization to provide closure, gratitude and respect to America’s senior-most veterans.
My husband usually wears a cap that proclaims he’s a U.S. Navy veteran. He’s appreciative when someone thanks him for his service.
Have you voiced your gratitude to a veteran for his or her contribution to your freedom?