Today is the beginning of November, which includes Veterans Day when we salute all men and women who have honorably served our country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are about 16.5 million of them who have helped preserve everyone’s right to publicly show patriotism and to protest.
The federal holiday continues to be November 11 in recognition of the ending of the Great War at 11 o’clock in the morning of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
My generation remembers the friends and relatives who fought in World War II. We stand with our hands over our hearts for the playing of “The Star-Spangled Banner” and when Old Glory passes by during a parade just like we were taught when we were students who began each school day with the “Pledge of Allegiance.”
Each person who joins a branch of the service recites the following oath: “I, ____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God.” The people in uniform are trained and ready to do whatever might become necessary.
Those who enter the military leave home and loved ones not knowing when or if they will return. Parents, husbands, wives and children learn to get along without them for long periods of time.
Some of those who have served wear a tee shirt or a cap proudly proclaiming they are veterans. Often, the only recognition these men and women ever receive is a “Thank you for your service,” from an appreciative citizen. Have you voiced your gratitude to a veteran for his or her contribution to your freedom?