This weekend is Veteran's Day.
Sometimes we forget the true meaning of the holiday and instead we just enjoy a day off of work or school. I know when I was younger, I knew what the holiday was for but I never truly appreciated it. I don't think that was from me being young, it was just because a lot of people in society do the same. When they see why they do not have to go to work they think about everything a veteran has sacrificed for maybe a brief moment and then continue on with their day. I felt it was important to share a few reasons you should thank a veteran not just on Veteran's Day, but everyday.
1. They put their life on the line to save yours.
Service men and women's lives are in so much danger every single day. They have a much greater chance of losing their life than everyday civilians and they do this to save you. These people may not know you personally but they still risk everything for you. This world is a scary place and without our armed forces, America would not be the country it is today. They do not want you to have to go to the horrible countries out there if you don't want to. If they did not volunteer to risk everything, they know you would be forced to. Military lives are very important, but they are willing to sacrifice so that the greater population can live in peace.
2. They believe in a better tomorrow.
Today, scary terrorist attacks are happening all around us. Tomorrow, there's a good chance they still will be; but a serviceman will tell you they are working for change. Everyone wants change in the world but it's those who serve who make the biggest impact. Thank a veteran or a current serviceman for believing that the world doesn't always have to be so nasty. Without our veterans we may still be under British rule, or Germany may have taken over the world. We just do not know. We underestimate how much America's armed forces have done for each of our lives.
3. They give everything even when they have nothing.
Veterans tend to help throughout their whole lives, not just in the military. Those who have the passion to help others often join the military to help the nation in the biggest possible way. However, when they come home they become civilians like you and me. Often times they do not have anything when they come home, and they still give anything they can. A veteran is likely to give you the shirt off of their back if they thought you needed it more than them. Do veterans a favor and help them in return. They have done everything they possibly can for you, we as a nation should do the same for them.
4. They are separated from their families for months or years so that you don't have to be.
Who knows what this world would look like without our military men and women. When they enlist they have to say goodbye to their families for months and sometimes even years. Yes, technology has helped us stay in contact with them now-a-days but back in the day they relied on letters. I don't know about you but mailing a letter from the desert does not sound very reliable. They are missing birthdays, holidays, and their kids' science fair project. They are missing vital years of their lives with their families. This is something you should thank anyone who has ever served for.
5. They do the job that is worth millions for so much less.
Those in the military protect our lives. They do so much that we could never even fathom to save their country and those inside of it. Their job is worth so much more than what they do get paid and we just turn a blind eye. Make sure you tell a serviceman thank you for doing one of the most dangerous jobs, the most honorable job, for next to no pay.
Thank you to all the veterans out there as well as those who currently serve. I thank you for my life because without you there is a good chance I would not be where I am today. I thank you not just today but everyday. You deserve much more than you receive from this world. I appreciate you.
