Happy Veteran's Day

I had the privilege of attending the Veteran’s Day parade in my town.  I was pleased with the number of people who attended the parade and the number of participants (the parade lasted nearly two hours).  There were veterans from World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan.  There were wounded warriors riding in Corvettes, Patriot Guard riders, and Rolling Thunder riders (POW/MIA advocates), high school and college marching bands, and Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps contingents from every high school in the county. It’s nice to see the people show their appreciation for the veterans and their service.

An especially poignant moment for me occurred when a Vietnam veteran, riding on one of the floats, stood, saluted the elderly World War II veteran standing nearby, and thanked him for his service.  Many other veterans stopped by to shake the gentleman’s hand and thank him.  I was impressed at the humility of these veterans, gladly thanking others for the same type of service they themselves had rendered for their country.

After the parade, I overheard a conversation between two gentlemen wearing cavalry Stetsons. One had been in the 7^th Cavalry Regiment during Vietnam and the other had been in the 6^th Cavalry Regiment during Operation Desert Storm.  Although they were two strangers from different generations, these men were soon laughing and trading stories as if they were long lost friends.

As I thought about it afterwards, I came to the realization that the men and women who served our country were part of something much bigger than themselves and they have a kinship with others who have also served.  To them, race and religion don’t matter, only integrity and trustworthiness.

This month is the 50^th anniversary of President Kennedy’s assassination.  Many forgot his inaugural address, where he challenged Americans to “ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”  These veterans did for their country, just as Kennedy challenged.  But we live in a time where far too many are asking what the country can do for them.  It’s time we do as these veterans have done and do for our country.

I’m not suggesting that we all volunteer for military service.  But, we can all volunteer for community service.  Help out at a soup kitchen, deliver meals to shut-ins, or work with youth at a Boys or Girls Club or a scouting program.  Volunteer to help with after-school tutoring or be a story-time reader at the local library.  There are so many things we can and should do to give back to our country.  At the same time, you’ll become part of something much bigger than yourself.

I wish I could shake the hand of each and every veteran, those who have served and those still serving.  If we truly want to honor their service and sacrifice, follow their lead and do for our country.