Tag Archives: military veterans

May 27, 2024 · 8:59 am

Happy Memorial Day 2024

Today is Memorial Day.

For many, it marks the official start of the summer. The pools are open, the beaches are crowded, and flip-flops are the shoes of choice. And that’s all well and good. I love warm weather, sunny beaches, and long days as much as the next American.

But Memorial Day has always had a more serious, and sometimes solemn connotation.

It’s a day in which we take a moment to honor those who have served their country in the armed forces. That is definitely a service worth honoring. America, as a country, would not exist without men and women willing to take up the call. What they do for this nation and what they sacrifice cannot be overstated.

In my own family, I’ve had multiple individuals serve. Going back to my grandfathers who fought in World War II to other close relatives who saw combat in Vietnam, it helps give perspective to what it means to be an American. You can say anything you want about how divided we are politically. You can say even more about the state of our culture, our conflicts, and the many things that make us unique.

There’s a time and a place to have those kinds of debates. But today is not one of them.

Regardless of where you stand on the political spectrum, I urge everyone to use today to take a step back to honor those who sacrifice and serve for the United States of America. If you can, participate in a parade or activity to honor veterans. If you can’t, consider denoting to a veterans charity.

But whatever you do, keep those who have served this country in your heart. They’ve already sacrificed plenty. Today, on Memorial Day, let’s return the favor.

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May 29, 2023 · 7:08 am

Happy Memorial Day 2023!

Today is Memorial Day.

Here in the United States of America, it’s often celebrated as the unofficial start of summer. The school year is ending for most kids. Pools, beaches, and theme parks are opening full-time. And most start planning ambitious vacations.

But the true heart of this day has always been about military veterans and honoring their service. As someone who has multiple relatives who served, as well as grandparents who fought in major wars, it’s certainly a day worth cherishing.

In recent years, the many issues veterans face has become more relevant. Beyond the immense physical and mental toll that comes with war, the sacrifice they make to serve is not to be taken lightly. Just look up the training that’s demanded of them. Look up what they have to endure before they ever venture near a war zone.

Whether they serve in the army, navy, marines, air force, or coast guard, the demands we put on them are high. And the debt we, as a country, incur for their service is far higher. And sadly, we don’t always honor those debts as well as we should.

There’s certainly a larger discussion to be had about how we treat and care for our veterans, especially those who have suffered serious injury from their service. But today, let’s take a moment to simply acknowledge and thank these remarkable individuals for what they do.

They chose to serve their country.

They chose to put their bodies, their minds, and their hearts on the line for others.

They committed themselves to a standard and an idea that embodies the best this country has to offer.

Let’s celebrate them. Let’s honor them.

If you can, please consider donating to a major military charity. Or volunteer to assist a veteran or organization.

They gave all of themselves to this country so that we could continue to survive and prosper. Let’s use today to return the favor.

Happy Memorial Day!

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November 11, 2022 · 5:10 am

Happy Veterans Day 2022!

Today is Veteran’s Day.

For some, it’s just another federal holiday that may or may not afford them a day off.

For others, it’s a bittersweet day to remember those who are serving in the military, as well those who have served. It’s also a day in which we take the time to acknowledge and honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice in their service.

These brave men and women are worth honoring. And if you have any veterans or active military in your family or community, please use this day to show them some appreciation. Whether it involves donating to a military charity, volunteering to help wounded veterans, or just being extra kind to those you know who have served, there’s plenty you can do to support these people.

It takes a special kind of person to serve their country. Even those who are willing aren’t always able. And those who are able aren’t always willing. What they do and why they do it requires a rare set of traits that only a handful can willingly channel. These same remarkable individuals are the ones we trust to defend our country, our values, and our way of life. Throughout our history, we’ve called upon them and they’ve answered. We can argue the merits and politics behind these conflicts. But we should never doubt the bravery and spirit that our veterans wield in carrying out their duty.

I also think that Veteran’s Day this year holds even more significance than usual. The world has become a much more dangerous place these past two years. Between the threats coming from reactionary forces within this country and emerging threats overseas, there are still conflicts for which we may need to rely on these rare souls. Hopefully, it never comes to that. Talk to anyone who has ever experienced combat.

Nobody hates wars more than soldiers.

Sometimes, it’s necessary and unavoidable. We still don’t know just how dangerous things will get in the near or far future. Whatever happens, we will need these brave men and women to answer the call as they’ve done before throughout history. It’ll be hard then, but that’s all the more reason to support them now.

I have close family members who have served. I also have relatives and ancestors who did see combat. There’s no getting around how it affected them. They needed more support than most when returning. Some are lucky enough to have family, friends, and various mechanisms of support. But not everyone is that lucky. They’re the ones who need today more than most.

Our nation is what it is because of the veterans who fought to defend and preserve it.

So, whatever you do to honor them, please make today special for them.

Happy Veterans Day!

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May 30, 2022 · 7:32 am

Happy Memorial Day 2022!

Today is Memorial Day.

For many, it marks the start of the summer. The weather gets hot, the pools open, and schools are out. It’s a wonderful time, indeed. We should enjoy it, especially after the events of the past two years.

For others, it’s more than just another long weekend. It’s day to acknowledge, honor, and cherish the brave men and women who decide to serve their country. That is not a trivial decision. Whether we’re in the midst of war or trying to preserve peace, making such a decision takes a special kind of spirit. For those who actually see combat, it takes even more.

Every year, I go out of my way to acknowledge the importance of honoring our veterans. I have family members who served in the military. I’ve even had a few see actual combat. It is not something just anyone can do, but it’s a service that every country, community, and society needs in order to function.

These men and women put their lives, their bodies, and so much more on the line whenever they serve. Regardless of how you feel about the politics of conflict, these are the people who often find themselves on the front lines. They’re the ones who rise to the occasion when their country calls upon them. It wouldn’t be unreasonable to say that we wouldn’t even have a country without these veterans.

We should always appreciate the sacrifices they make and the work that they do, but a day like this gives us a chance to offer a more formal acknowledgement. It doesn’t just extent to parades, a day off, or good barbecue with family. It’s an opportunity to tell every one who has ever served, even if they’re not with us anymore, how much they matter.

If you get a chance, use this day to help a veteran in need, be it a family member or someone in your community. If you can, please consider donating to one of the many military charities out there. Even during times like this, anything you can spare will help.

So, once again, to all the amazing veterans out there who are serving, have served, or have family members in the line of duty, I sincerely thank you.

Happy Memorial Day!

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