Today we honor those in service and those still missing from service. Service to their country; service to the military; service to their comrades; service to us. Thank you to all past, present, and future Americans who serve!
Google AI tells us:
The purpose of Veterans Day is to honor all individuals who have served in the U.S. military, both living and deceased, in wartime or peacetime. Originally known as Armistice Day to commemorate the end of World War I, the holiday was renamed in 1954 to broaden its scope to include and thank all veterans for their service and sacrifice to the country.
…“service and sacrifice…” definitely predates Armistice Day. Perhaps originating historically whenever mankind created organizations of warriors. Having not served myself, I often wonder what it’s like. Why do men and women serve? How do they muster the courage?
One of my readers offered me a transcript from a journal written by his great grandfather at the end of the Civil War. “James Le Roy Burnside… H.S. 55th Regt Ill. V.V. Infty…was in the Union Army from 1861 to 1865.” His journal of daily activities started on January 1, 1865 opening with:
His “private views and feelings” included this entry on January 2, 1865 about how Dr. C.B. Thompkins’ “patriotic heart so strongly urged him to again enter his country’s service”:
The word “service” seems too understated to describe a person’s military commitment or explain how “the patriotic fire burns in his breast”:
Nonetheless, serve they have and serve they continue to do. All committed to our country and their contribution to “improve it”:
Veterans from all walks of life; past, present, and future… we thank you!
GAP
When life gets tough we could get a helmet… or… we could leverage the peace and share the power of a positive perspective.
No comments:
Post a Comment