Let’s remember something about this day of remembering: This is for the veterans.
Not saying that like an emotional appeal, I’m just pointing out that this is for veterans as opposed to a day set aside to remember the fallen or a day set aside just to honor the military at large. It is Veterans Day.
I bring it up because it is habit, and worthwhile, when talking of vets to talk nearly exclusively about their time on active duty, their time at war, their time fighting in peace, and all that comes with that. But, as I said, it’s Veterans Day.
Think of that Veteran you know who has been out of the armed forces for 10 years. Or 20. Or 50. Think of all that they have done since then. You see, when one of our fighting men and women come home, they have a whole new set of battles to face, and y’all know those veteran friends of yours have fought those battles with not just the same honor and commitment as that with which they served, but fought with the same courage and sacrifice too.
I have heard people question why Veterans get so many free things on their day. After all, isn’t their service over?
Is it?
There are the physical ailments, after all. To various degrees we all have them. Any physical job eventually takes a toll of pain and suffering on those who make it their living, and in many fields, including military service, that pain can last well into old age. For veterans, those can be especially severe, up to and including life-shortening wounds, missing limbs, handicaps of all kinds.
The toll mentally, psychologically and emotionally can follow you your whole life, too. It’s a very serious issue, and like with the physical ailments, there are resources and assistance from the VA and from private sources too.
But it’s not necessarily the effects of war and active duty that are why veterans are still in service every day.
Veterans take their experiences, their lessons, their loyalty and courage, and they apply it to civilian life. Employers know they are getting a separate class of worker when they hire vets. In a community or a neighborhood our former military citizens are frequently seen as leaders, and they are sought out for advice and assistance.
When you see a veteran you know they will help. In an emergency, from the terror of 9/11 to the horrors of floods, earthquakes, tornadoes and more, you see them. You recognize their bearing, their fearlessness.
The truth is even after they come home, we still rely on veterans to serve this country. And they do. Every day.
Why is Veterans Day set aside for the veterans out there living civilian lives? Because they are in that second stage of military service. They are at home, among us, watching over us, serving us. They never stop being who they are. They are Marines. They are soldiers. They are airmen and soldiers. They are warriors. They are servants.
They are veterans. We are veterans. And today is our day.