Valor is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and the soul” [Michel de Montaigne].
Mine is not a military family. I have never endured the absence of a family member who chose to serve, protect or defend our country.
As a small girl, I vaguely recall my uncle returning from “service” and presenting me with a perfectly sized Chartreuse robe (with impressive gold thread) from Morocco. But I do not remember our family discussing his mission or celebrating his accomplishments. Or, perhaps they did, outside of a child’s awareness.
In the past, I’ve never quite known how to show my gratitude to our veterans for their service. My appreciative comments seem to be so small compared to the enormity of the sacrifice.
I cannot begin to imagine the road our veterans elected to travel or why they chose to do so.
What compels an individual to put personal needs and desires aside
in order to serve our country?
To leave loved ones a world away?
To be willing to sacrifice everything for people they will never meet?
To create the possibility of a safe future for generations of people who will never know their name?
- Not for the flex time or extended lunch breaks.
- Not for personal gain or notoriety.
- Not for a corner office with a view of the city.
- Not for a fat salary and six-figure bonus package.
- Not for the healthcare or the safe working environment.
- Not for many of the things that beckon us toward an enviable career with an important title.
Today is Veteran’s Day. It is a time to honor those who have served America and her people, engaged the enemy, protected the border, fought for freedom, rejected the convenient, turned away from the conventional, and paid the price.
To all our veterans and their families, I extend a sincere, “Thank you!” America wouldn’t be the great nation she is today without your service. We are in your debt.
Let us no longer “take for granted the very people that most deserve our gratitude” [Cynthia Ozick].
Whatever you are, be a good one!
Deanna
Whatever You Are, Be a Good One 