Veterans Day is set aside as a day to honor all the men and women who have served our country.
In my own family, that’s a long list.
Both my Grandpas served — Grandpa Romero in the Army and Grandpa Jarvie in the Navy. My Uncle Tom served in the Army during the Gulf War. My brother-in-law was in the Coast Guard. My step-uncle served, as did all of his kids, which included two serving in the Middle East.
Many of my great uncles were veterans as well. My great uncles Don, Ren, Roy and Robert all served in the army, and my Great Uncle Robert died while serving in Vietnam. My Great Uncle Ernie fought in World War II and was wounded while serving in the Pacific. My Great Uncle Bob and Great Aunt Pat served in the Army. Aunt Pat’s husband Al was also in the Army and served in the Vietnam War. My Great Uncle Donald (Buzz) served in the Air Force during the Korean War.
The list of veterans in my family continues back several generations.
My Great Grandpa Romero served in World War I. My great-great uncle served in World War II. My great-great-great grandpa fought in the Civil War.
Clearly, Veterans Day has had a great deal of significance in my family. Just trying to remember all the people I’m related to that have served is admittedly difficult, given how many there are. (I had to ask my mom for help making sure I didn’t leave anyone out.) It is amazing and humbling to think of everything they all did and accomplished over the years for our country.
So, as we all take this day to honor our veterans, what are some things we can do to honor them in tangible ways?
First, remember them. Take the time to think through and even list out all the veterans from your family or the people you know who’ve served.
Then flip through the later pages of this edition of the newspaper and look at the photos and the names in our veterans section. Look at the faces and the names, including those you don’t know, and think through the people from our community who served and the sacrifices that were made (of their lives, sometimes, but also of their time, energy, plans, etc.). Just thinking through the people you know and don’t know who have served you is a powerful way to put things in perspective.
Second, thank them — but do so with consideration and respect. For the veterans in your life, you might find a way to thank them that is personal and genuine, such as taking them out to a nice meal. But for others, especially those you don’t know well, be considerate in how you express your thanks.
It’s important to realize that everyone’s experience in the military is different, and many veterans will have different opinions on how they want their service to be treated. Some will appreciate someone taking the time to thank them, while others won’t want to discuss it or have anyone make a big deal out of it. Do your best to be considerate of a veteran’s wishes, and express your thanks in a way that is genuine and open to changing based on what is most respectful to that individual.
Third, consider donating to organizations that support veterans. The American Legion is one great resource that directly helps veterans in our community, but there are many resources and organizations available. Supporting these groups is a great way to directly and practically help and thank those who have served.
Fourth, strive for peace. Veterans Day is observed on Nov. 11 and coincides with Armistice Day, which is observed by many countries around the world. Armistice Day recognizes the anniversary of the end of World War I, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
At the time, the armistice with Germany was regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.”
My own family history points to the fact that while my great grandpa fought in the war to end all wars, I had many other family members fighting in the next great war only a few decades later. Wars haven’t stopped since then, and the need for men and women to fight continues.
However, Armistice Day was established as a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace.
Men and women continue to fight because they are defending freedom, yes, but also because the ultimate goal is to not have to fight anymore, to achieve peace.
We can honor their service by working to make peace a reality, even in small ways, and striving for peace in our own lives and towards those around us.
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