U.S. Army – Fort Jackson, SC
Originally called Armistice Day, it recognized the end of WW I, which coincidentally ended 101 years ago this month. Interestingly, German troops were still well inside France and Belgium during Armistice. Then in 1938, it became an official holiday, set aside to honor veterans. Then on June 1, 1954, it was renamed Veterans Day to honor all — dead or alive — those who have served the country in war and peace.
Yeah, I’m writing a blog post from the comfort of a warm office, which pales in comparison to literally every single service member serving today. In fact, it even pales in comparison to every military spouse because I’m not managing a household with kids, all alone, while a loved one is deployed overseas.
Military (Family) History
But, I can acknowledge how proud I am of family and friends who’ve served along with those currently serving our country with honor.
I can also take a moment to remember my cousin and the seven brave men of Fox Company, 2/4 Marines (2ND PLT, F CO, 2ND BN, 4TH MARINES, 3RD MARDIV, III MAF), who were killed in action at Quang Nam, Vietnam on 08 April 1967.
Some know that my connection to military life is personal and direct, but many Americans don’t have a clear idea of military sacrifices. The military is at war and the public is at peace being busy with the Hashtag shaming/activism movements.
Here are just a few examples of the social media movements that you may have followed: #AllLivesMatter, #HimToo, #MeToo, #TakeAKnee, #SurvivorPrivilege, #YouOkSis, #NiUnaMenos (Not One Less), #HeForShe, #OrangeTheWorld, #BringBackOurGirls, #EverydaySexism, #NotAllMen, #YesAllWomen, #WhyIStayed, #IWillGoOut, #GenerationEquality, #BoycottNRA, #TheResistance, #Resist, #OccupyWallStreet, #IfIDieInASchoolShooting, #IceBucketChallenge, #IStandWithAhmed, #OscarsSoWhite, #NODAPL, #Ferguson, and Boycott #[co. name here] etc.. IMHO, the hashtag activism is lame and probably not been as effective as doing real world engagement!
But, I’ve digressed…
F-35 Lightning II
There is something very special about people who serve, the kind of discipline, the kind of passion that they have, and the dedication. I’ve seen that up close and have a lot of pride! Many give little thought to the hardships of multiple deployments, the frequent family moves or the sacrifices of the military community.
For some, this post may come across like an empty gesture. But, I personally want to thank you and express my heartfelt respect and gratitude for all who have and are serving in the military. Thank you for the risks you take and the sacrifices you make.
We know you’re fighting for the rights and freedoms of all of us and you’re the unsung heroes. We do care!
P.S. Congrats and much respect to the U.S. Army special operations team responsible for killing what the The Washington Post obituary called an “austere religious scholar.” Give me a break! The Washington Post and editors are totally full of BS for a headline glorifying the savage murderer and brutal raper who encouraged ISIS followers to commit heinous acts of violence — Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is now a dead “religious scholar!”
Double-Click References:
Harley-Davidson WW I Role: HERE
Hidden Heroes: HERE
Veterans Day Proclamation: HERE
DoD Facts: HERE
Vietnam Conflict Extract Data File: HERE
Other NW HOG Veteran Oriented Blog Posts: HERE
Photos courtesy of DoD and taken by author
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