Veterans Day has always been an occasion to be solemnly observed in our household in honor of my father, who was wounded in WWI; my husband, who served in Korea; my brother who took part in the Vietnam conflict; neighbors who were killed in WWII, and friends who served their country in times of comparative peace.
This year my family has a particular reason to observe Nov. 11 because one of our own is among those putting their lives on the line in Afghanistan so that we may enjoy a peaceful holiday here. My only grandson (I have four granddaughters) is a helicopter pilot in a place where flying is a dangerous activity.
Jeff graduated from West Point in 2010 and from flight school at Ft. Rucker, Ala., 18 months later. He finished first in his training class, probably because he was learning to do what he had always wanted to do—fly. Even as a young boy in grade school, he dreamed of going to a military academy and becoming a pilot. He succeeded on both counts, and now is putting to work for his country the skills he acquired as a result of hard work and focus on accomplishing a specific goal. Jeff is a man now, and as a man is grateful for the opportunities he has had in a country that allows young people to pursue their dreams and expects them to be willing to accept the cost of attaining them.
Jeff has no illusions about the possible consequences of the job he feels privileged to do. He is responsible for a number of soldiers under his command, and he takes that responsibility seriously. He also takes each day as it comes and does what he needs to do for that day. Like any good leader, he plans ahead but does not fret ahead.
There are many young men and women like Jeff serving in faraway places for an ideal of freedom that people in those places have never known. But our forces have known this freedom and are willing to put their lives on the line to defend it. For this reason, we honor them and honor those who have done the same in ages past. We are grateful to all who served but especially to those who did not return or who came back wounded, either physically or emotionally. We cannot fully pay the debt we owe them, but we can express our gratitude by respecting what they have done, even if we do not agree with the reason they were sent in harm’s way.
On Veterans Day many businesses observe the occasion by offering free meals or admissions to service personnel who identify themselves as such. This is a generous gesture and makes it clear that they are appreciated. We can all show our appreciation by a salute or word of thanks when we recognize an active military man or woman. Thank you, one and all, for your service. We wish you a safe and speedy return home to your families.
Ann Dow is a retired college instructor.
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