This weekend, I will be writing a Veterans Day speech for a politician friend of mine. It’s the tenth year in a row that I’ve written one for him. Both Veterans Day and Memorial Day are very important to him – he’s a great guy – and to me, by the way. So I have taken pride in making each speech fresh – a little different than the last. But, as you can imagine, it gets tough after ten years. So can you guys help me out?
Keeping in mind that Veterans Day honors everyone who has served (while Memorial Day is strictly about those who have fallen) – and I don’t say that to be insulting, for I know that our regulars are all aware of that, but there’s probably some lurkers who are not – can you suggest some theme, or story, or anything else that you think would make for a good Veterans Day speech that honors those who are serving and who have served.
I am not asking you to write the verbiage. That’s my job. And I think that the basics are obvious – these are the men and women who defend, and have defended, freedom and liberty here and throughout the globe for over 200 years. We are eternally in their debt. And, these are everyday people, like you and I, who go willingly into harms way, doing their duty and covering the backs of those who serve with them. They are ordinary people, thrust into extraordinary situations, and they come through time and again. These are the “big themes” that – in one form or another – are always at the climax of this speech. But what about the body of it? Last year I talked about the last surviving WWI veteran in the United States – Frank Buckles (still around). The year before that, I believe I wrote about how Europe sneered at our citizen soldiers when we came into WWI and WWII, but the doughboys and GI’s showed the professionals what dedication and independence could do.
I’m interested in anyone and everyone’s thoughts. But, if you are currently serving, or have previously served, please let us know. This is about Veterans Day, after all, and 1) I am always interested in a vets particular prespective, 2) I think we’d all like a chance to say “thanks”.
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How about some cold, hard, stats and facts about who these wonderful men and women are. I hear far too many people denigrate them by questioning their IQs, making statements like, “The military is full of kids from rural communities and poor kids from urban areas who have no alternative,etc.”
It’s not true. These folks have options and most choose to serve for nominal pay because they love our country and want to serve. Throw some stats at the pussilanimous naysayers, who turn their noses up at these wonderful Americans. Throw in famous ex-military people; Jimmy Stewart, Ted Williams, Roger Staubach… there are a million fine examples. Show folks that talented, bright people are in the ranks.
My father, who passed away the morning of October 17th served in the U.S. Army Airborne – 3 years active duty from ‘53 – ‘56. Part of his time was spent in Korea not far from the DMZ. After his active duty he served more than 17 more years in the US Army National Guard in California, eventually reaching the grade of Sergeant First Class.
I think something about the men and women who serve in America’s National Guard would be nice, as I’m not certain enough of our countrymen fully appreciate the service these folks are doing on behalf of the nation. Those in the National Guard are just as vital a part of America’s military preparedness as anyone who is active duty.
While some might appreciate the importance of the National Guard, to many, even some of those now serving in National Guard units, may think of themselves as little more than “weekend warriors.” They most certainly are not. And given the role many units have played in Iraq they should be recognized for their service to our country.
That’s my 2 cents on the subject.
(Daniel) hugs Daniel. Your Dad is remembered here. Valhalla has room for all of the heroes.
One more thing: My father’s service did rub off on his sons. My brother served in the Marine Corp and I served in the Navy.
Well, I appreciate any opportunity to share my gratitude to the women and men who serve our country. I apologize in advance for the length. I do want to mention to Rufus that the “nominal” pay is relative. Pay, particularly for officers, ain’t too shabby. I believe we have Reagan to thank for increasing pay, don’t we? However, while pay for junior enlisted is low, a great majority of these folks only have a high school diploma. There are few salaried jobs that pay as much with comparable education. There are also many opportunities for career and educational advancement in the Armed Forces.
As a teenager, I spent 4 years (summers and winter breaks) volunteering at a VA. One of the things that saddened me was the despair of many Vietnam vets I met. Many were homeless, suffering with addiction and mental illness. They congregated in one outdoor area like piled rags. It hurt my heart that many had been abandoned, untreated and unappreciated by their own country. I remember making a promise to myself if my generation ever went to war, I wouldn’t let them down. 9/11 happened and I knew I had to keep that promise when I saw the smoke from the Pentagon. I remembered that promise every day I rode by the Pentagon as they rebuilt it. I remembered that promise every day my husband was deployed to Iraq. I remembered that promise every time I went to my OB appointment at the NNMC in Bethesda and saw first hand the carnage of war. Just walking through the halls, I saw young men and women without arms, legs, eyes. Some were severely disfigured. I felt blessed that the child I was carrying would be born in such a country, a country where people gave time, health and even their lives for other’s to be free and to defend our beloved Constitution. My son is 4 now. I’m trying to keep that promise, but I don’t feel like it’s enough. I wear a Wounded Warrior Project pin sometimes, and my son asked about it. He wanted to know what a “wounded warrior” was. I told him they are people who protect us from the bad guys and even go after the bad guys, but sometimes they get hurt, and we have to take care of them. He’s a big “The Incredibles” fan so he says,”Kinda like super heros, Mommy?” I said, “Yes, they are like super heros.” So, we have to not only honor their courage and sacrifice, but remember and act on the promise that we make to them, to not forget them and to make sure we take care of them.
How do we look to them who have served? We try and appreciate the sacrifices and yet our Veterans have a look in their eyes that those of us, fat and sassy at home can never understand. As the wife of a vet I can say there are things I see, that pass swiftly across the face of my husband that I will never understand. I know I can’t. I accept that. I see others, from Marines to Navy SEALS I know who have seen things that would make my hair turn white and I know I cannot understand it unless I was there. The best recourse we have, those of us who chose other ways of expressing ourselves, or for what ever reasons couldn’t serve, is to allow our veterans their silence. Allow them their own quiet moments.
My father, so stoic and strong always met questions with that look on his face or a reply of, “Why is that so important for you to know?” As his daughter I wanted to know what made him who he was. I undestand now there are things that are better left to memory and yet honor must always be upheld. Heroes never like being made a spectacle of, but, giving them their due, their respect is something as a nation we must do. They, our veterans are our link to our past, our identity and our self. They represent our very best, our sacred honor.
I can’t add much to the already well-stated comments. I think of the veterans that I know and have known personally, my relatives, friends and acquaintances who have served. Some saw combat, some served in times of peace but all took the oath regardless of what our country might ask of them.
I’m very proud that today my little community of less than 5,000 is having a special parade in honor of Vietnam Vets. It’s called a “Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans” parade and vets from all across the country are expected to attend. There are also expected to be two F-16 do a flyover the parade route – that should rattle some windows.
Speaking as one who served during the Viet Nam conflict, all I can say is that for the most part, we who served did so out of a sense of duty to God and our country.
That particular conflict did a lot to raise the ire of a lot of people in America. My brother and I both served. He was career Air Force and flew tankers (KC-135s) out of U Tapao, Thailand over Nam. When he returned to the States in 1969, he was in uniform and arrived at San Francisco Int’l. As he was walking through the air terminal, he was spit on by more than one of Frisco’s finest citizens.
I was more fortunate, in that I was returning from Ramstein AB, Germany after a 3 year tour as an RF4C Phantom II crewchief and flightline supervisor. I returned through MacGuire AFB, NJ and left base in civilian clothes, therefore having to put up with none of the bad attention my brother got. I was in the Air Force 5 years and stood every chance of going to the war zone, though it never did happen. My brother and I both did the service because we love America, and at the time believed that what we were doing was beneficial to freedom in SE Asia, as well as in America.
My daughter many years later did 6 years in the Air Force as a Russian Linguist at NSA in Maryland, much for the same reasons as my brother and I did our service. Her husband is also a career Air Force Intelligence man serving at various U.S. embassies around the world.
Service to our country is in the family blood, and even though some have not served in the military from my family, there is no discredit to them on that account, for they are fine, upstanding citizens who vote, worship God, and love America every bit as much as all the rest of us do.
Fritz,
Thanks to you, your brother and your daughter for your service! Too bad your son went the namby, pamby academic route. I imagine his sister can kick his ass?
Yeah, Rufus he’s definitely an intemellectual!
Thanks to you and your family for your service. You and all vets have my profound respect.