Today is Veteran's Day in the US.
Across America, there are more than 25 million veterans. Their ranks include generations of citizens who have risked their lives while serving in military conflicts, including World War II, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf, and the war on terror. They have fought for the security of our country and the peace of the world. They have defended our founding ideals, protected the innocent, and liberated the oppressed from tyranny and terror. They have known the hardships and the fears and the tragic losses of war. Our veterans know that in the harshest hours of conflict they serve just and honorable purposes.
Ref. https://www1.va.gov/vetsday/
I was discussing with a woman at work how terrible it is that we don't really observe Veteran's Day the same way we do other holidays. In fact, I had to work. We give up Veteran's Day so that we can have the day after Thanksgiving off. We choose Veteran's Day because it doesn't always fall on a Monday like all other US holidays so it isn't a long weekend. We prefer to give that up than lose a long weekend.
This is truly a shame. Especially given the fact that we are currently actively engaged in war. Seems to me Columbus Day should get less respect that Veteran's Day not the other way around.
I agree with the previous messages; the day is giving respect for those who fought in war - not for the wars that were fought. Many have died or been so close to death for the various wars fought over the years that something has to be done to respect all veterans. I second the notion to give less attention to Columbus Day.
I know that this is a little late, but I found this excellent editorial comic about Veteren's Day, along with a bit of commentary.
https://www.coxandforkum.com/archives/000466.html
The whole thing is very moving.
QUOTE |
(From the Ayn Rand Institute): There is no more precious possession than one's own life. But without political freedom, human life is empty. Man cannot exist in any meaningful sense as a serf. The New Hampshire motto says it perfectly: "Live Free or Die." |
I too, have always believed that Veterans day should be more celebrated. Being a soldier, I think that we should give the boot to some stupid holiday and show praise to my fellow soldiers that have died in the conflicts that have led this great country to being what it is today. Many may say that Veterans were brave/valiant/etc... but do they care? Odds say, No.
Do you not think that we deserve more than just one day of recognition? College students get spring break off, why? Because they need a break from school...please! Columbus day? The person who actually discovered America!? Get your facts straight, it was discovered by Leif Erickson (not exactly sure of the correct spelling, if I've offended someone in some way by this...sorry.) As a child in school I remember preparing celebrations for Ground Hog day...GROUND HOG DAY! But I don't recall ever painting any pictures of the American Flag and posting them in or around the school. Try going through what some of us soldiers have experienced. Being away from our families for years at a time in a country thousands of miles away.