November 11, 2013
For some odd reason, perhaps it’s a quirk in our human nature that we cannot co-exist without aggression and warfare.
The tale is as old as human history. And to paraphrase Mark Twain: the only progress we’ve made is that we kill each other more efficiently!
Unfortunately, there will always be soldiers sent out to fight battles.
Today is set aside to honor America’s veterans- “old soldiers of long service,” and the newer veterans, too. Originally, Veterans’ Day commemorated the end of hostilities after World War I and WWII.
There are so many veterans from so many conflicts, ranging from WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm, Iraq, Afghanistan…where the survivors are still living.
How do we even begin to say “thanks” to all the men and women whose lives have been interrupted, altered, damaged or ended? How can we begin to show our gratitude for all the sacrifices our soldiers made to serve America’s military interest? In my view, I feel they ALL deserve a Medal of Honor!
So, today the flag is flown half mast. What else? Maybe a local parade. Yet my heart breaks to see homeless vets with their cardboard signs begging at highway intersections. I specifically carry money to give to them.
- I also donate/support the USO http://action.uso.org/thankyou?
- Operation PAL (pen a letter) http://www.operationpal.com
- & Send my cancelled stamps to: Stamps for the Wounded, P.O. Box 297, Dunn Loring, VA 22027
Today, find some personal way to express your appreciation to our veterans and continue that all year long. It’s the very least we can do.