November 11 is designated as Veteran’s day in America. It also marks the anniversary of the surrender of the Germany in 1918, effectively ending World War I. Most folks seem to carry about their business, not doing anything special. Unless, they have been directly connected to someone who has served their country.
I love these colors...
I have been fortunate enough to be in the presence of a great American man…to sit and talk with him…to hear his perspective of the world, our nation, business, and family. I heard some of the stories of World War II and knew that those experiences affected him for the rest his life. But, for him, it wasn’t regret or fear or anger, it was gratitude. Thankful for being spared on D-Day and being able to come home to his family. Grateful for the opportunities one can find in this country and the ability to work hard. His gratitude seemed to be one of his fundamental motivators and guiding principles in life.
Throughout much of my life, I could never fully grasp what it meant to the men and women who served…protecting freedom and this country. I could never imagine myself feeling that level of pride and patriotism. These struggles were all in my history books, the world was different now. The world wars had distinct enemies and tyrants, as did other battles throughout American history.
The two American wars that shaped this country more than any others, the Civil War and Revolutionary War, were not so much against an enemy. Rather, they were fought for an ideology. This requires a level of patriotism and commitment that far exceeds that of fighting a tyrant. Fighting these wars was not about now…. it was about tomorrow.
This country is undergoing a change. No, not the change a lot of folks thought they were getting. Its the kind of change many people feared would come. I believe our way of life, our society, our very foundation, is being tested in a way that had yet to be seen. Unfortunately, I also believe it will continue to be tested further. Our freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness is threatened by some who do not agree with how this country was founded and built.
I have always loved my country, but for the first time in my life, I understand.
I understand the feeling that wells up inside you that drives to you to stand up and speak out, even to lash out in total frustration. I understand the need to do something….anything… to protect this country and what it stands for from those who are too cowardly to stand up and speak for their beliefs outright. I’m still unsure as to what I can do to help fight the ideological battle that’s being waged right now. But, I know that by simply knowing, by paying attention, I am on my way to something. This is how its starts. I do know this however, that if it comes down to it, I know full well which side of the line I’ll be on in order to protect it. After all, there is something bigger and far more important than me to protect. I understand that if they succeed, we have failed, and all of us are lost. But more importantly, the future is lost.
With this recognition, I am feeling patriotism and commitment to a level I haven’t felt before. I now understand what drove the men and women of the past to lay their lives on the line to protect our freedoms.
So….on this Veteran’s Day, I say thank you to all the men and women who have sacrificed, sometimes with their lives, to protect what we all are so fortunate to have. I just hope we live up your distinction.
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