I would say it's a safe bet that most of us here in the US see this as nothing more than an extra day off to drink beer and eat barbecue...
As a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in time of conflict I hope that everyone takes a second to think about and thank a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Coast Guard Patrolman for their service.
Thank a veteran. I can tell you first hand, I missed my oldest daughters first words, her first steps, among other things. By the time I caught up and got out the military, she was on her way to being four. So many of our veterans are forgotten. Some are in hospitals or in wheelchairs, some have no one to just say hi to them. It doesn't matter what era, World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Wars, Afghanistan, or other conflicts over the years. Going to other nations to stop oppression, suffering, and genocide. A smile and a soft thank you does wonders.
My wife was a star. She wrote constantly, even if I was a dick (sorry, no other way to put it) at time due to the stress. She demonstrated what it takes not knowing if I would come home alive or in a body bag. Even though she was in the military herself before she became pregnant with our oldest, it didn't change her fears. It only made it worse because she understood just that much more what I may or may not have been into. If you know a military family that has someone deployed, than them as well. Hug a mom or dad who's kids are out there at this moment. I was a military brat as well so I also know how the kids feel with mom or dad gone.
Also thank our firemen, police, and first responders. They are often lost in our well deserved focus to the military. They are on the streets dealing with the nut jobs who want to or find the need to commit crimes against our property and lives. They are the ones who give their lives to pull us from fires and save our property. Treat the wounded on a busy interstate while traffic around them goes whizzing by simply annoyed by the fact that an accident has slowed them down not concerned about the lives involved.
Before you grab the beer and the rib plate, before you fire up a boombox, thank God for those who are willing to risk death so we can all sit back and watch American Idol, football, argue whether or not our government sucks or not.
This kind of sacrifice isn't for everyone...but for those who did choose that path, give them the moment, and respect due.
As a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in time of conflict I hope that everyone takes a second to think about and thank a Soldier, Sailor, Marine, Airman, or Coast Guard Patrolman for their service.
Thank a veteran. I can tell you first hand, I missed my oldest daughters first words, her first steps, among other things. By the time I caught up and got out the military, she was on her way to being four. So many of our veterans are forgotten. Some are in hospitals or in wheelchairs, some have no one to just say hi to them. It doesn't matter what era, World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Wars, Afghanistan, or other conflicts over the years. Going to other nations to stop oppression, suffering, and genocide. A smile and a soft thank you does wonders.
My wife was a star. She wrote constantly, even if I was a dick (sorry, no other way to put it) at time due to the stress. She demonstrated what it takes not knowing if I would come home alive or in a body bag. Even though she was in the military herself before she became pregnant with our oldest, it didn't change her fears. It only made it worse because she understood just that much more what I may or may not have been into. If you know a military family that has someone deployed, than them as well. Hug a mom or dad who's kids are out there at this moment. I was a military brat as well so I also know how the kids feel with mom or dad gone.
Also thank our firemen, police, and first responders. They are often lost in our well deserved focus to the military. They are on the streets dealing with the nut jobs who want to or find the need to commit crimes against our property and lives. They are the ones who give their lives to pull us from fires and save our property. Treat the wounded on a busy interstate while traffic around them goes whizzing by simply annoyed by the fact that an accident has slowed them down not concerned about the lives involved.
Before you grab the beer and the rib plate, before you fire up a boombox, thank God for those who are willing to risk death so we can all sit back and watch American Idol, football, argue whether or not our government sucks or not.
This kind of sacrifice isn't for everyone...but for those who did choose that path, give them the moment, and respect due.
