Veteran's Day-- the epitome of complete appreciation for those who serve in the United States Armed Forces-- lies on November 11th every year, but it should be everyday. I appreciate reserving a full day to create a holiday to commend and honor those who have or are currently fighting for our country, but I don't think one day each year makes up for the countless days and the scores of years our Veterans have served us. Too often we are limiting our vocal recognition to this day and this day only.
These brave men and women have dedicated their careers and their lives so that we can walk in peace in a free country. They are sacrificing their chance at a "normal" life so we can sleep at night safe and sound. They deserve more than one day. Don't get me wrong, I love this Holiday and how it recognizes the significance of these Veterans but they work every day out of the year, not just this one. You know a Veteran, too. Your grandfather; uncle; brother; father; cousin; aunt; sister; mother; neighbor; you know someone in the armed service, and I bet you appreciate them more than they know. Tell them that.
In high school, I worked at a local restaurant as a hostess where my mother was also a waitress there. One shift while we were both working, a young couple came in with a young baby, just a few minutes before closing to have dessert. I figured that the kitchen staff would understand a quick dessert, and the couple seemed very apologetic for rushing in before close, so I decided to seat them. I assigned my mom the table and as I was cleaning a table beside them I noticed the couple smiling from ear to ear: the woman holding back a tear and the man so shocked that someone had done something so nice for him. Being the nosey teenager I was (and still am), I went to my mom to see why they were so in awe. She told me that the man had just returned home from deployment. They wanted to go out to a nice dinner but couldn't find a babysitter because it was so last minute so they decided to take the baby with them, except by the time they decided that, almost all of the restaurants they had in mind were closing so they decided they would just have dessert instead. My mom paid for their bill as a way to say thank you for his service. The couple insisted she didn't and spent a few minutes arguing her about it but she did it anyway. I'll never forget how much it meant to him that someone appreciated him, even though she was a random stranger, and I'll never forget the look in his wife's eyes. It was a look that explained that it's all worth it. They may not have gotten their nice night out but it was worth it to her to see that someone saw what they were going through and cared.
Later that night my mom was talking to me and she said, "That was a $7 bill for a lifetime of service. It's the least I could do." Seven dollars. It only took seven dollars to say "I appreciate you." Heck, you can even say it for free, but say it! It doesn't cost much to express your gratitude for those in the uniform, but the feeling is priceless. My grandfather, served in the Air Force during the Korean War. Two of my uncles served in the U.S. Navy, these men are my family and even I don't thank them enough. So thank you Grandad, Uncle Danny and Uncle Mike. Thank you to my friends in the Army. Thank you to everyone who serves in our armed forces. From the bottom of my heart today and every day, thank you.
Thank you.
