In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…" (U.S. Department of Veteran's Affairs). With that, Veteran's Day was born.
I grew up during the Vietnam Era. Nightly news on the three major stations consisted of the Vietnam War and protests of the Vietnam War. Contrary to popular belief, the 60's were not as cool as they sound. It was an era of strife politically.
There was a small war in Grenada in the 1980's--but frankly, I don't even know why we went there. I was in my 20's, not into the news and worrying about my own life. It was during this time I was a young mother. Besides, the 1960's pretty much burned me out on news relating to wars.
Fast forward to the next major war I remember which was in the 1990's; The Gulf War. Now this war had a personal impact as the impetus for it was the invasion of Kuwait. I was married to a Kuwaiti at the time and as a result, this war had a very real effect on our lives. Kuwait was overrun by Iraq in August, 1990; and I do mean overrun. There were something like 300,000 Kuwaiti's at the time and over a million Iraqi troops in the country. There was no warning and all sorts of atrocities were happening against the Kuwaiti people. My ex-husband lost a few relatives. Our home in the U.S. served as a safe house for those who got out. The remainder of his family lived in a refugee camp in Saudi Arabia if they were able to get out. It was a scary time. The brutality and extermination of a once beautiful country was reminiscent of WW2 Germany -- a time in history that also impacted my father's family. And so, without hesitation, we opened our doors to whoever in my ex-husband's family could get out and helped them until they could relocate. The actual war -- in February, 1991-- lasted two days. Saddam Hussain's army could not withstand our powerful troops. I don't know that there were a lot of casualties on the American side. To this day, the Kuwaitis celebrate Independence Day and Liberation Day together and George Bush, Sr. remains in their hearts.
Then came September 11, 2001 -- a day that will live in our minds forever. It triggered Desert Storm. That war was not so clean and easy. Many died during 9/11 but many more were injured, maimed and killed during that war. There is much debate over it and I won't go into that aside from the fact that we still have a few ground troops in Iraq and Afghanistan and heaven only knows where else in the Middle East.
Wars have been around since our country was founded; the American Revolution, the Spanish-American War, the French and Indian War and others. As long as there has been man, there have been wars fought.
Every morning at my school, the Pledge of Allegiance is said. I don't think most kids understand the importance of our standing and saying it. I insist all my students stand and respect the flag but they do not have to say the pledge. We still live in America and freedom of speech (or lack thereof) still exists.
I know, having lived in a country overseas where freedom of religion and speech did not exist and where women could not vote, how important those rights are. I also know that, to this day, I tear up when our National Anthem is played. I'm not sure that those who have lived in America all their lives really understand that; rather, like many growing up -- including myself-- they take those rights for granted.
It is because of our service men and women that we can stand and sing our National Anthem. We do not have troops in the street or live under a curfew. We are able to walk freely and talk freely. We are able to criticize our government without fear of repercussion. We can worship wherever and however we choose. "We the People..." Yes, in our country, each person is not an island. There is a "We" and we are able to do all these things because of the men and women who are willing to go out for us and fight for our freedoms. They do so with courage and sacrifice. They do not question their orders but rather, carry them out with honor. They are the men and women of our military. Ladies and gentlemen, I SALUTE YOU! Thank you for all you have done! And thank you to your families for their sacrifices as well. May God continue to bless you! If you, that if you know of someone who has served or is actively serving, to reach out -- especially as the holidays draw near. Contact your USO and volunteer or see if there are charities working to provide for the families of the troops that are here in the States. Perhaps get the address of someone who is serving and send them a "CARE" package of baby wipes, Chapstick, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste and candy/cookies that don't melt. Stateside, there are many whose families do not have enough to eat or gifts for their children. There are charities out there that are working to help provide for the families of our men and women in uniform. It is an Internet search -- five minutes of your time. I think they're worth it -- after all, look what they've done for us.
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