Consumer
Elder Statesman
Do not wish them a "Happy" Veteran's day.
For most, it is not a happy day. There will be stories, and grins that go with them. Crazy things you did, incidents and friends who will make you laugh, stories that glow with the telling. Those are there, and are part of this day.
But it is also a day for remembering those long times out of touch, away from home. Duty taking precedence over comfort, security, family and lovers. You stand the watch because it's your job. You go in harm's way because someone has to do it, and when you put on the uniform, you became "it". Courage is in moments of conspicuous bravery (or just instinct)...but it is also found in long hours of "nothing" that had to be done.
It is also the day that everyone seems to make a big deal out of. Friends and comrades who didn't come home. The Military is a dangerous profession. We all know that when we join (even if we really don't understand what mortality is when we started). So yes, we remember those too.
It is not a Happy day. Don't wish me one. Wish me a good day. That I will need.
It is not a day where you can say "I understand", unless you are Veteran yourself. We gave years, if nothing else, to service. Unless you've done it, you don't understand. Just say "Thank you". That I can accept.
Maybe, just maybe, you can tell us that you think we are one of the "Good Guys". Really, that's why we did it. To be the good guys. To protect an idea, a place, a mind-set, and the people we love who dwell in those things. We served, we gave up identity, we put up with a "system" and with the petty indignities of following orders, we fought, we killed, we died, and we left a part of ourselves behind in memory and innocence...all for that.
To those who served, thank you. I know a little. And I am grateful.
Semper Paratus
For most, it is not a happy day. There will be stories, and grins that go with them. Crazy things you did, incidents and friends who will make you laugh, stories that glow with the telling. Those are there, and are part of this day.
But it is also a day for remembering those long times out of touch, away from home. Duty taking precedence over comfort, security, family and lovers. You stand the watch because it's your job. You go in harm's way because someone has to do it, and when you put on the uniform, you became "it". Courage is in moments of conspicuous bravery (or just instinct)...but it is also found in long hours of "nothing" that had to be done.
It is also the day that everyone seems to make a big deal out of. Friends and comrades who didn't come home. The Military is a dangerous profession. We all know that when we join (even if we really don't understand what mortality is when we started). So yes, we remember those too.
It is not a Happy day. Don't wish me one. Wish me a good day. That I will need.
It is not a day where you can say "I understand", unless you are Veteran yourself. We gave years, if nothing else, to service. Unless you've done it, you don't understand. Just say "Thank you". That I can accept.
Maybe, just maybe, you can tell us that you think we are one of the "Good Guys". Really, that's why we did it. To be the good guys. To protect an idea, a place, a mind-set, and the people we love who dwell in those things. We served, we gave up identity, we put up with a "system" and with the petty indignities of following orders, we fought, we killed, we died, and we left a part of ourselves behind in memory and innocence...all for that.
To those who served, thank you. I know a little. And I am grateful.
Semper Paratus
