Veterans Day

Day Of Gratitude, Honor and Respect

How to say, "Thank you for your service"
 

On Veterans Day we hear lots of "Thank you's for your service."  The Nation took a step in the right direction when "Thank you for your service," began taking hold years ago.  However, now ... sometimes ... "Thank you for your service" rings hollow when some veterans hear this.  It is time to take "Thank you for your service" to greater depths.  Let's don't let "Thank you for your service," become America's next "Let's do lunch."  Words are easy to say; actions speak louder words.  Therefore, perhaps we need to act differently when trying to express a "Thank you for your service."  Veterans Day offers an opportunity to evolve our conveyance to veterans (and service members) of our gratitude, honor and respect they deserve that the simple, "Thank you for your service" often no longer accomplishes.

Let's look at the spirit of Veterans Day to help us reset our "Thank you for your service":   November 11th is always the day honoring armed service veterans.  The official legal holiday forever remains on November 11, even when it falls on a Saturday or Sunday--when that happens, organizations that formally observe the holiday are often closed on the adjacent Friday or Monday; however, those organizations and people effected should be mindful that the holiday date does not change.

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918, the world celebrated peace.  That moment commemorated an end to "The Great War" which took the lives of nearly a generation of men (as well as many civilians).  The day would begin the recognition of World War I veterans.

TOP Veteran -- Before, 1971

Over the years November 11th would evolve to paying tribute to veterans from all combat eras.  Today, Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor all--living and dead--who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.  Veterans are men and women who served in the military (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) in times of war or peace.

Veterans have served our Nation, with intention and readiness to give all if called to do so.  Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman, no matter their job, has earned our lasting gratitude. They have shouldered America’s National Security responsibilities, while the rest us enjoy our freedom and way of life.  Veterans Day is especially sensitive to living veterans who served during conflict and those who retire after a lengthy service.

TOP Veteran -- After

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. Veterans Day can be a misunderstood holiday and even commonly misprinted as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements.  Veterans Day and Memorial Day are often confused.  Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who died in the line of service.  The spirit of Veterans Day is meant to express appreciation and recognition of sacrifice.

They were soldiers years ago; today they are veterans.  Our veterans no longer "live to fight another day;” on this Veterans Day we wish them to "live to enjoy another day."

Veterans Day began as a day of peace; honoring World War I veterans who made that possible.  96 years later, we continue to appreciate veterans who make our freedoms possible.  Every November 11th, we renew our pledge to never take our veteran's service for granted.  It is important to say this while they are still with us:  "Thank you for your service," with feeling ... gratitude ... respect ... honor!  Perhaps it is time to act and say it differently--let your heart out and express what your heart feels to the veterans in your life.

On behalf of TOP (Tours Of Peace) Vietnam Veterans, to all veterans:  We are honored to have you in our lives; as well, we acknowledge the honor in which you served.  We respect your service ... your sacrifices.  No matter what you did, please do not minimize your service--we appreciate every branch of service and every job served--during peace and war!  Your service has made a difference.  We are so grateful for your devoting a part of your life to doing a job that we know you intended on helping to make us safe--sometimes serving your country on the edge of danger, and, often in face-to-face danger.  We are filled with appreciation for what you did ... respect for every moment you spent away from  your life, family and friends, serving your country ... and are honored that you have been a part of all of our lives whether we have personally known you or not.  Our treasured veterans please accept this heartfelt--thank you for your service!

TOP Veteran -- Still Courageously Serving 44 years Later

Day Of Peace

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, in 1918, the world celebrated peace.  That moment commemorated an end to "The Great War" which took the lives of nearly a generation of men (as well as many civilians).  The day would begin the recognition of World War I veterans.

Soldier -- Then

Over the years November 11th would evolve to paying tribute to veterans from all combat eras.  Today, Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor all--living and dead--who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime.  Veterans are men and women who served in the military (U.S. Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, and Coast Guard) in times of war or peace.

Veterans have served our Nation, with intention and readiness to give all if called to do so.  Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman, no matter their job, has earned our lasting gratitude. They have shouldered America’s National Security responsibilities, while the rest us enjoy our freedom and way of life.  Veterans Day is especially sensitive to living veterans who served during conflict and those who retire after a lengthy service.

Veteran -- Now

Veterans Day is observed on November 11, regardless of what day of the week on which it falls. Veterans Day can be a misunderstood holiday and even commonly misprinted as Veteran's Day or Veterans' Day in calendars and advertisements.  Veterans Day and Memorial Day are often confused.  Memorial Day is set aside to honor those who died in the line of service.  The spirit of Veterans Day is meant to express appreciation and recognition of sacrifice.

They were soldiers years ago; today they are veterans.  Our veterans no longer "live to fight another day;” on this Veterans Day we wish them to "live to enjoy another day of life."

Veterans Day began as a day of peace; honoring World War I veterans who made that possible.  92 years later, we continue to appreciate veterans who make our freedoms possible.  Every November 11th, we renew our pledge to never take our veteran's service for granted.  It is important to say this while they are still with us:  "Thank you for your service."

Challenges Of Being A Veteran

Veterans Day -- Today we honor all who have served honorably in the military -- in wartime or peace. TOP offers a bouquet of thanks for your service, appreciates your contributions and underscores that all who serve have sacrificed and done their duty.

There should also be a "Family Veterans Day." Families make sacrifices, yet receive little recognition. As one TOP widow once appropriately said, "Although we did not fight in Viet Nam, we fought on a different battlefield."

TOP invites you to read Michele McNair's November 6, 2009 blog perspective, "Veteran's Day: Let Us NEVER Forget." Michele's family life has been heavily steeped in the military. As well, Michele participated in one of TOP's Tours Of Peace. Michele's story emphasizes our belief of why family members deserve their recognition too; additionally, she is a great example of TOP Family & Educational Program trip participants.

Friends and supporters of veterans--Veterans Day does not exist without you. We veterans are thankful for your friendship and support.

It is sometimes difficult to separate Veterans Day from Memorial Day; this is underscored with the recent massacre at Ft. Hood. Being a veteran and living with service-related memories can be challenging. These memories may bubble up and prove difficult for veterans on Veterans Day. Nonetheless, it is important that veterans know how appreciated their service is.

Many lost friends and buddies to war. There are veterans who share "survivor's guilt"--having lived through their service experience while others did not. Likewise, many war-era veterans who did not serve in a combat theater feel guilty not doing the job their peers had to do. No matter what a veteran's job was and where they did their duty, we are grateful.

Survivors guilt can be severe--some veterans wished they had died in war with their comrades, rather than be mired in a life of fear, anger, terror, drugs and alcohol from their war. The fate of PTSD, drug & alcohol abuse, as a result of the trauma of war, can be hell. During the Civil War, General William Sherman said simply and accurately, "War is hell." Unfortunately, many veterans and families live this hell daily . . . indefinitely . . . long after service. They brought the war home with them.

Additionally, it is not an uncommon phenomenon for veterans who served in war to diminish their service, saying, "I didn't have it as bad as you guys . . . or, I had it easy compared to most . . ." Sometimes minimizing war involving is a coping mechanism.

As life is not challenging enough for many former servicemen: Sadly, veterans are often stereotyped in the news: For example, occasionally in news stories of crime & violence, the past military service of a suspect becomes part of the story, e.g., ". . . a former Marine," or, ". . . a Vietnam veteran . . ." Identifying crime suspects by military service is discriminatory behavior, no different from racial discrimination or profiling. This Veterans Day might be a good starting point to begin a campaign of enlightenment within and those around you, to become aware of discriminatory behaviors which profile military or ex-military as violent, criminal or uneducated.

Conversely, in this day & age, the public and media have a propensity for elevating public figures who break laws, abuse substances, are involved in violent behaviors and morally corrupt. Some of these stars, musicians, athletes, and reality figures are labeled as "heroes." Unfortunately, their feats and accomplishments have nothing to do with courage and unconditional sacrifice for the good of others. Meanwhile, veterans who fit the old-fashioned definition of "hero"--quietly live difficult lives of humility, lacking recognition for their unconditional sacrifice for the good others.

Today, is a good day to redefine the true meaning of "heroes." Begin with the veterans in your life: Fathers, mothers, sons, daughters . . . relatives . . . veteran friends . . . veteran co-workers . . . the neighbor with a military bumper sticker . . . the person in the mall with a military baseball cap. Fellow veterans, remember to thank the veterans in your life too.

Thank your veterans for their service and sacrifice. Veterans Day is an opportunity to honor living veterans. Memorial Day is an opportunity to honor those who gave their lives in service. Realize the veteran heroes who your life is blessed with.

TOP (Tours Of Peace) Vietnam Veterans is honored to be a non-profit organization for veterans and families. We are proud to be a part of veteran & their family's lives . . . especially on this very special day.