Veteran's Day

Wednesday, November 11, 2009
I'm a veteran. I come from a family of veterans. The majority of my personal relationships have been with other veterans.

And that's a problem.

In today's all-volunteer military, it seems like the culture of the military is becoming more and more insular. Service tends to run in families, and there are many, many citizens out there who know not a single veteran. And there are many, many veterans who seek out other veterans with whom to have relationships, to the exclusion of civilians who have never served. The result? A citizenry who has no contact with their protectors, and has no real understanding of what it means to serve, and a military who feels isolated from those they protect.

No good can come of this.

This Veteran's Day, I would encourage those of you who don't know a soldier, sailor, airman, Marine or Guardsman personally to get to know one. Find out what the challenges are inherent in their service, and find out what you can do to help. Whether it's volunteering a couple of hours a month at the local USO or sending care packages to those who are deployed, a citizenry should have some personal connection to those who volunteer to protect their freedoms with their lives.

And if you're a vet or an active duty service member, I encourage you to reach out to the citizenry whom you protect. It's hard for those who have never served to understand the sacrifice you make on their behalf, as they have nothing to compare it to.

And to all who continue to serve, thank you for protecting our country and our Constitution. Your service is appreciated, remembered, and respected.

Honor, Courage, Commitment.

Semper Paratus.

Semper Fidelis.

Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.

This We'll Defend.

Non sibi sed patriae. Thank you, my brothers and sisters-in-arms, past, present and future.

13 comments:

Random Michelle K said...

Thank you Janiece, for your service.

Thordr said...

hooah

Karl said...

Non sibi... I've always liked that one. :)

Thanks, Janiece.

kimby said...

Thank you Janiece.

Steve Buchheit said...

Since I haven't said it lately, thanks, Janiece (and Jim, and Jarhead, and all the others who frequent here).

nzforme said...

Hello, Veteran. Thank you.

Janiece said...

You're all very welcome.

Nzforme, I'm glad you've joined our happy little group - especially since your entry on Jim was one of the inpirations for this post.

Keith Wilson said...

From a Canuck vet to an American comrade in arms, thank you.

Keith Wilson said...

From a Canuck vet to an American comrade in arms, thank you.

Janiece said...

You're welcome, Keith, and you, too.

nzforme said...

Aw, thanks. (Actually, the more I've thought about things after that post, I *do* know a few more veterans. Like my boss, for instance -- former Navy, and one of the most honorable people I know.) But, yes, we definitely need more experience with those outside our circles -- leads to better understanding.

Carol Elaine said...

Yesterday I was home sick, not doing any internetting at all, so this is a day late, but still very heartfelt:

Thank you, Janiece. Your service is very much appreciated. A big thank you goes out to Mechanicky Girl as well. And to Jim and all the other veterans who hang out here.

Carol Elaine said...

Er, I mean, Mechanicky Gal. My brain is still fuzzy. Gah.