In my family there is a tradition, I take the son out for lunch usually with my other veteran friends but sometimes alone, just me and the boy. This year is so far, removed from so many of my warrior brethren I think it will be just me and the boys, though the new one only eats Gerber baby food and bottled milk he should be there too. We’ll pause to give thanks to the other veterans out there, my father and his generation of veterans, and the boys who may one day be themselves, veterans.
In TO&S I plead with them to avoid service saying that I have studied war so that they may study philosophy but I’m also aware of the allure that military adventure has held for young men throughout time. If the boys both choose not to serve in uniform, that’s all the more reason for them to pause and thank the veterans in their lives. I hope to instill a tradition of stopping to give thanks while letting others scramble for deep discounts on mattresses or cars or whatever.
Thank you Applebee’s, more often than not this traditional luncheon is mostly free, I pay for a drink or two and my son’s meal but I eat free.
Most importantly though thanks to those who are still standing the watch, flying into harm’s way, standing on the wall, or imperiled on the sea and to those who have done so in the past. God Bless you and yours.
It's nice that this holiday comes on the heels of a national election, regardless of the outcome and how one might feel about it the process we just endured over the silly season with all its desperate rhetoric and jockeying is proof of our enduring republic's health. Yes, some argue we're in decline others point to a new horizon - we're America and it matters not who is president, we're all bigger than that. We're safe from any boogie man one side may paint the other side's candidate to be. Why?
One word - Veterans.
All of them.
Their courageous example allows us to engage in the sometimes raucous tradition of elections. Without them we could ill afford to stop all national affairs for eighteen months and fight amongst ourselves, there are very real wolves at the door and only our apolitical Marines, Navy, Army and Air Force (okay you too Coast Guard) keep them at bay so we can indulge in our democracy.
Our process is a privilege, a birthright won anew each generation by our veterans.
So while I would prefer the boys to avoid service, I would be no less proud of them if they heeded the call that I have answered for nearly two decades.
A special thank you is due also to my former commanders and mentors who over the years have helped me survive their command, but also to thrive as a soldier and man. BG Wolfman, SFC Nick, MSgt Pickles, The Genie - thank you. And to my peers and subordinate who have survived my leadership in uniform - Alvie, Clarkie, the Brick Flight and so many others - thank you for putting up with me in service to our great country and its traditions.
As a side note I've been honored to have been asked to speak at the NIST Veteran's Day Observance. I'll be giving an invited talk "One Veteran's Story". If you would like to attend on the 14th let me know I'll register you with the visitor center security control point.
As a side note I've been honored to have been asked to speak at the NIST Veteran's Day Observance. I'll be giving an invited talk "One Veteran's Story". If you would like to attend on the 14th let me know I'll register you with the visitor center security control point.
