INTERNATIONALLY . . . Almost a year after the attacks of 9/11, in the Czech Republic, in the city of Prague, a dear woman recognized me as an American and extended her condolences. I was stunned. She wanted me to know how much she and many others grieved with and for the United States. I knew little of her nation, but she knew much about mine. She described her reaction to the news of our 9/11 attacks as a heartfelt, “Not there!”  While she lived under communism, the USA had symbolized hope to her. This Czech woman perceived the events of 9/11 to be an attack on freedom itself.  At my request, this woman briefed me on her history. She pointed to a large building across from us in which she had been working when Russian tanks rolled into the very square in which we were sitting. While I was trying to imagine the scene, my new friend pointed out the fissures on the side of the building made by those tanks. She then described her subsequent life under communism in the most negative terms possible. This was substantiated later that day when I took a walking tour of beautiful Prague. Surprisingly, the tour guide led us down an ugly alley lined with run-down buildings. When the group was all assembled, he explained he wanted us to see this state of disrepair because this was how all of Prague looked under communism!   Twenty-one years ago, the United States was attacked, but we are still a free republic. On Veterans’ Day, we will have the opportunity to honor the men and women of our military who responded to those 9/11 attacks with military service in the Middle East and elsewhere. Let’s honor our Vets.

“Our freedom, envied the world over, was attained at great personal sacrifice – we cannot allow it to wither away through apathy.”  Thomas J. Hudner, JR., United States Navy, Medal of Honor

GENERATIONALLY . . . In the Vietnam era, our nation erred greatly by ignoring and/or blaming our homecoming troops for unpopular foreign policies. As one who worked the flights in and out of Vietnam, I interacted with hundreds of these GIs. On the flights to Nam, they were very quiet. Every lift-off out of Da Nang, however, generated a spontaneous, loud, heartfelt cheer. A 707 full of cheering men is a memorable sound. The long return flight was characterized by relief, boisterous laughter, camaraderie . . . it was a celebration of life. They delighted in real milk, American food, and wanted to show us pics of their wives and babies. They had fulfilled their military obligation and survived.  Once off our plane, sadly, they would encounter anything but a warm welcome. My brother was spit upon. The windows of the buses that shuttled our military from the airport to their bases were wired to keep the debris thrown at them from breaking the windows. After enduring jungle combat conditions for 12 months and losing buddies, the troops that survived were accosted by protestors opposing the decisions coming out of  Washington DC. In self-defense, these vets became very close-mouthed about their service. I received a note from one Veteran who had never heard the words, Welcome home, until Stu Weber spoke them decades later during a Patriotic Sunday at Good Shepherd Community Church in Boring, OR. Veterans’ Day is an opportunity to rectify this national failure. Every man and woman who has served in our military honorably deserves respect.  Let’s honor our Vets.

“As a six-year prisoner of war, I learned that freedom is our most important commodity. We keep it through personal responsibility. Freedom is the flip side of responsibility.” Leo K. Thorsness, United States Air Force, Medal of Honor

HISTORICALLY . . . Veterans’ Day originated at the end of World War I when an armistice was declared between the Allied nations and Germany at the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month of 1918. Eighty-four years later, I toured Flanders Fields in Belgium. I was pleased to see our American WWI Veterans were honored with many well-kept memorials even on foreign soil. Armistice Day was later re-named Veterans Day in the US. Its purpose is to honor all of our United States Veterans whether they served in peace time or during a particular war. Honor may be expressed in a boisterous parade, a solemn salute, flying our flag, a military discount in Lowe’s, a quiet Welcome home, or Thank you for your service. Veterans’ Day is coming. Let’s honor our Vets.

“Freedom is not free; 406,000 active duty personnel were killed during World War II – December 7, 1941 – September 2, 1945.” Henry E. Erwin, US Army Air Corps, Medal of Honor

LOCALLY . . . Texan patriotism is bold and blatant. Flags fly on every possible occasion. Wherever we go, Dan is thanked for his service. It was on an airport shuttle at DFW that Dan first heard the words, Welcome home from a stranger. When the anthem was played at a recent baseball game in McKinney, TX, conversation stopped, people stood up, hats came off, hands hit hearts, and everyone sang. It seems fitting that the National Museum of Medal of Honor will be opened in Arlington, Texas come 2024. Let’s honor our Vets.

“Everything America has – its prosperity and riches, freedoms and liberties, magnificent beauty and natural resources – is all a gift from God and the United States military.” Nick D. Bacon, United States Army, Medal of Honor

PERSONALLY . . . I suggest you learn the stories of the Veterans in your life. They served their country which means you and me. We are free because they put their lives on the line, they trained and endured, they obeyed orders, and they fought for their nation, their families, and the warrior beside them. They each did their part, so our military became formidable. The men and women of the United States military, our Marines and Sailors, our Army and Air Force, our National Guard and Coast Guard have not just preserved our freedoms and those of other nations, but they have given a banner of hope to people around the world. Let’s honor our Vets.

“Real patriotism lies in the Ten Commandments, which show love of God and love of man. My love for my fellow man led me to the Congressional Medal of Honor.” Desmond T. Doss, US Army, Medal of Honor.  Movie Hacksaw Ridge tells his story. 

VETERANS’ DAY 2023 IS APPROACHING. How might you and I honor our Vets?

  • It is my understanding that Veterans wear their hats to find each other, but it gives the rest of us a chance to personally say Thank you for your service, or Welcome home. Some would love an audience, others would not, so do be sensitive.
  • Visit a restaurant that offers Vets free meals on Veterans’ Day. Standing in line is half the fun. Joining the boisterous camaraderie and respect across military branches and generations can be most gratifying both for Vets and those who love them. I love going to lunch with Dan at Applebee’s on Veterans Day. One year we accompanied a WWII Vet and his wife. The restaurant manager went from table to table affirming his guests. With the WWII Vets, however, he knelt down and asked where they had served. How our friend, Bob Strickland, lit up in response to this honoring question.
  • Obviously, there are many ways to honor our Veterans.  Fly your flag. Find a parade and cheer. Pray for Veterans, their families, and the healing of their wounds both visible and unseen. Send an email to the Vets you know personally. Visit memorials like the Medal of Honor Museum in Pueblo, CO, but prepare to be deeply moved.  Let’s honor our vets.

“Wars are won by all the men and women whose contributions go unrecognized and by the true heroes who don’t come home. Our duty is to lead lives worthy of their sacrifices, and when necessary, defend the freedom that they secured.”  Ryan M. Pitts, United States Army, Medal of Honor