On this day, thank you to all veterans, not to mention those currently residing in dangerous territory who will, one hopes, go on to become veterans, for your service to our country.
(Fair warning: Comments along similar lines, not to mention personal anecdotes, are welcome. However I will not–WILL NOT–see this thread degenerate into an acrimonious political thread. Just so we’re clear.)
PAD
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Peter, I hope this is the one day that people can put aside their partisan concerns and unite in their gratitude for our vets. It’s the least we can do for them.
Thanks Peter.
Thanks, Grandpa.
“Grandpa” ain’t happening anytime soon, trust me.
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PAD
I was talking to my Grandpa, actually. He’s the veteran, not me.
Ah. My mistake. Sorry.
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PAD
No worries.
I always add in a thanks to our Red Cross. My great aunts served throughout the Pacific during WWII. I recall my Aunt Jane speaking about what it was like to stand on a ship, watching the first wave of solders hit the beach, knowing she would be in the second wave to setup the Red Cross facilities.
My Dad served in Vietnam, retired from the Army after 20 years, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. This is the first Veterans Day since his passing and I find myself really missing him. So if you have a Veteran in your life, give him or her a hug from me.
My brother is a Marine — currently stationed in Brussels, but he saw combat in Iraq and Afghanistan — and we’re all proud of his service and grateful that he managed to stay safe during his time in the Middle East.
Here’s a note of thanks for all who served and who will serve, and a wish that they stay safe during their service.
My uncle is a rather bizarre individual and has been for most of his life … but this one day, at least, I thank him for his decades of service.
Well, this is a Veterans Day anecdote, but perhaps not what you expected.
In 1993, I was in Washington, DC for a conference. As scheduling would have it, I was on my own for the morning of Veterans Day. So I visited Arlington to see if anything was going on.
President Clinton gave a speech, which was competent but not memorable. Some memorable incompetence followed when representatives of different veterans’ groups took the stage and some miscellaneous functionary took the microphone.
“When I say your group, please rise. First, representing the Paralyzed Veterans of America…” Pause. Functionary looks to side and sees man in wheelchair glaring at him. Functionary turns back to audience. “Please rise or raise your hand…”
I wonder what the functionary’s next job was.