Veterans Day – Words Seem Inadequate.

US Air Force U22

I am sitting here just looking at the screen trying to figure out what to say about Veterans Day. Is it Happy Veterans Day? Is “Happy” the right word? Or Honor? Salute? Respect? Appreciate? Thankful. “Thank you for your service” has become the current thing to say. Of course its said so much its kinda become a bit of a cliche. But if you really dig into it. It’s a true statement. I wish there was a more special way to say how much we all appreciate the commitment to our way of life.

As I age, I reflect back to when I was of the age to enlist or be drafted. It was 1976 and to be honest, being in the military was not a thing to do. I had spent my younger years watching the hell of Vietnam, and protests. Yet still, I went and started the process of joining. I took the test for the Navy, or Coast Guard, and did well. They had me slotted for some sort of intelligence thing. My cousin had joined the Navy and wound up in an engine room for years. Mmmm? And two of my pals joined the Air Force and loved it. And I decided. Nope, going to Art School. My parents had given me the ultimatum. Go to school, or go to the military, either way you are not gonna spend your life in the basement. Art School, was NOT on my fathers list of options. But thats what I did.

My father on the left next to my Mother. 1940’s

I look back, and through the fog of past choices. I wish I had joined the Navy or Coast Guard. I wish there was a way for me to join now. A 63 year old over weight that likes to take a nap at 3 and pee’s all night. Ya. I wish I had understood the opportunity to serve my future life. Giving for the greater good is a privilege. So today, its with deep respect, deep appreciation for my fellow Americans that work for us all, to make our lives free. “Respect”

Slide of Military spec U22

12 replies
  1. Greg Lewandowski
    Greg Lewandowski says:

    I got a draft number of 289 and decided to stay in school and not go into the armed services. In retrospect, I wish I would have joined the navy, but I probably could have ended up on a gunboat in Vietnam and may not be writing this today. I have the highest respect and admiration for all those that have and are currently serving, and thank them for giving us a free United States of America. God bless you all!

  2. Nehmer Kid
    Nehmer Kid says:

    I have the utmost respect for those that are serving and have served in the military for our freedom. Those from the greatest generation to those in the middle east today. Thank you for your service!!! Words never do this justice but Thank You. My Hero died a year ago this week, he was a quartermaster in the Navy… He had a great run.

  3. Troy in ANE
    Troy in ANE says:

    It seems that Art School did you well!
    It is hard to look back a small and large decisions in our lives and think about how they could have made profound impacts on the outcomes.

    Thanks to all our veterans! Those who are here to read these words of gratitude and those who were less fortunate.

  4. Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P )
    Mark in Ohio (sometimes da U P ) says:

    I can write this in English. So thank all of you veterns both past and present for making this possible. God Bless the USA.

  5. Kelly Wittenauer
    Kelly Wittenauer says:

    Many family members have served & a few of the younger ones still are. Thank you to all who have & do defend our USA. And to their families, whose sacrifices too often go unnoticed.

  6. Murdock
    Murdock says:

    Current and past, large and small, we THANK THEM ALL!!!!
    I was privileged to grow up with some of the finest of the Greatest Generation. They never spoke of their own sacrifices, only those that had come before.
    One of the greatest lessons I learned from them was clear. They never said, “That’s not my job”.
    Respect? Oh yeah.

  7. Joe
    Joe says:

    I wonder what got sucked into the prop? Both mooring lines seem to be accounted for. Nothing but thanks, respect and admiration to those whose sacrifices allow us to be free. It is a humbling day.

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