Today, I thank all veterans for their service, but am especially grateful to a different class of veteran.
While I appreciate those who occasionally thank me for being a veteran, my personal feeling is that my veteran status was more of a security guard. I was a watchman that maintained our forces readiness, should the need for my services be called upon in a confrontation with an enemy. As a nuclear missile technician, I’m extremely grateful that my skills weren’t put into action.
Frankly, as a peacetime veteran, I feel embarrassed to accept a “thank you,” when so many others have sacrificed much more than I ever did.
While I may have given up some youthful years, others have given their limbs, peace of mind, and even their young lives by serving their country.
I have the greatest respect for those who served (and now serve) in time of war. Especially those, who under a real threat of being killed or wounded, served their country – sometimes in places where the citizens of their country aren’t told about, but can be just as deadly.
I thank these veterans most of all. The wartime veterans put in harms way. The ones who fought in WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Iraq, and now Afghanistan, among the other smaller engagements, less remembered.
Though they are all gone now, I can still thank the veterans of WWI and all the previous wars, by being a voice for them, not setting aside their sacrifice, or letting their memorials be forgotten.
I’m especially grateful to those who have, regrettably, come back wounded either physically or emotionally, and sometimes both.
I thank these real heroes.
Those men and women who served knowing they might die, or be crippled because war existed. Those who endured separation from a wife or husband, weren’t home to bond with children, incurred financial difficulty at home, and often were called upon for another tour in a hostile environment.
We can show our thanks to our veterans by welcoming them back after their tours of duty, by taking the time to express gratitude for their willingness to risk all and endure traumatic experiences in service to their country.
For them, I don’t think thanking them for their service is enough.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
Disclaimer: On January 4, 2016, the owner of WestEastonPA.com began serving on the West Easton Council following an election. Postings and all content found on this website are the opinions of Matthew A. Dees and may not necessarily represent the opinion of the governing body for The Borough of West Easton.
