On this particular veteran's Day, there's a lot on my mind. A lot that I'm grateful for, and a lot of people I'm grateful for.
My
great uncles Joe, who parachuted into Normandy on D-Day and was one of
very few survivors in his unit. One of his brothers was in military
intelligence at the same time. My step-grandfather, who was in Korea. My
aunt Sandy's parents, who were career military, going back and forth
between Germany, Japan, and the US for over forty years. My Dad, who
spent time in the Navy. Friends like Decha and Brady, who have both
spent time in Iraq. Some of my professors, and people from church who
served in the military at various times. Bill, who was like a second
father to me and died a few years ago; the very thought of whose funeral
brings tears to my eyes in an instant.
There are so many people
who have served in the military; are serving. And many of them are or
were there voluntarily. People like those still based in Japan, in
Germany, Afghanistan, Iraq, Saudia Arabia, various parts of Africa, and
across the US doing their best to help keep the rest of us safe. People
who have been maimed in the line of duty and who still keep on keeping
on, some of them. People who go to protect us and then the government,
in some cases, pulls the rug out from under in terms of mortgage issues,
threats to have their families thrown out into the street for sometimes
minor offenses such as inadequate landscaping (yes, I've seen this
occur).
There are those of us who honor, respect, and cherish the
vets in our lives. Sadly, not everyone shares the gratitude. Here in
our area, there was a family who put a sign up on their terrace thanking
veterans. It was a true thank you, but it was also a lesson for their
children in thankfulness. And you know, someone vandalized that family's
home because they showed their appreciation... before the night was
over. This family decided to keep their sign up even after cleaning the
paint up as well as they could. Gratefulness isn't a partisan issue, or
at least it shouldn't be. Thanking the veterans for all they have done
on behalf of those of us who never had to face war eye to eye... that
isn't something that should be for Republicans only, or Democrats only,
or Independents independently. It's something we should all do, isn't
it?
Today in class, my prof, who is a veteran, refused to have a
moment of silence when someone suggested one. instead, he asked people
in the class about their loved ones who have served and who are serving
currently. This is the same man who brought his hat with him from the
days he was in the war... and left it in the truck. He couldn't put it
on due to the emotions he was facing. He is one of the people I respect
the most, not merely for doing his duty in the war, but for being honest
and open about his experiences; for helping others through their stuff,
even though it's trauma of other sorts. This is a man who voluntarily
travels the world to help people; a man who, despite all that has
happened to him, helps other people who have faced war, even though he
doesn't generally work with veterans.
I think more about my great
uncle, who was one of many vets told, once they came home, not to
discuss with anyone their experiences. It was nearly forty years later
before he spoke to anyone about it. And a few years ago, he went back to
Germany. He went to the barn where his parachute landed, and apologized
to the grandchild of the person whose chicken he stole because there
were not enough provisions. He went to his former bunker. He went to the
beach. He met with others who were there, and he was given a tour of
the Normandy area in a General's jeep, led by said general, as s thank
you for all he did. While he was there, a little boy who looked up to
him dearly for all he had done gave him a tour, along with my Aunt Bev
who went with him; then when he went back a year later with my Grama and
step-grandfather the little boy came back to see him, though he lives
in another country.
I think of the stories I have heard from
others; the stories I have read; the stories of those who never made it
home, and I wonder about how much different life would be if they had
refused to go; refused to help. I wonder how things would be today if
the Nazis had won the war, or if Korea had won the war, and I wonder how
things will turn out in Eritrea, in Iraq, in Afghanastan, Iran, Korea,
Gerogia, Russia, and so many other places where problems are arising or
where people are trying to resolve said issues.
But I also think
of those who were not sent, for whatever reason. Those President Clinton
refused to send to Eritrea while much of the population there has
dwindled; where the children are soldiers; where the artists are told
they must fight. These same artists, some of them asked to enter the US,
and you know, sadly, Clinton refused, citing the need for art in
Eritrea despite the war. I'm sorry, but that's a cop out. If it were a
country with money or a country that Clinton thought more highly of, he
would have done something, and that infuriates me. There were very few
troops to help, and when they were sent, it was nearly too late to help
anyone. The troops were not at fault in this; their comander in chief,
however, left much to be desired. I hope the same will not be the case
come January for anyone who is in need of help, but time will tell.
Some
complain about the reasons behind the Iraq war, and they have validity
behind some of those complaints. But the thing is, we cannot change the
past; we are where we are in how things are going. Many brave and
sincere troops are doing their dangdest to help the people of Iraq to
become independent once more, now that things have begun to settle down
since the surge. And while mistakes have been made there, as well as
other places, that is no reason to be bitter toward troops; toward
veterans. Toward people we should be grateful to for their submission to
their leaders, and sometimes for going against those leaders in order
to make the best decision for what is happening. Many military right now
are upset about how things have gone; are going, but can you really
blame them? Many military persons decided to join pre-9/11, even though
many also joined post. Either way, most of them are doing their very
best; many have darkened the soil of lands they never got to leave, out
of love and care for the people of America, and for the freedom of
oppressed peoples.
On this Veteran's Day, I am grateful. I am
humbled. I say thank you, once more. And I say another prayer for the
people that have done so much. Not just the John McCains and Joe
Tolberts of this world; not just for the Bradys and Dechas, but for all
who serve with a willing heart and with love. Thank you. From the bottom
of my heart.
