Thank God for the Americans that honor Veterans and whom honorable Veterans serve. So many online posts today, Veteran's Day, extol the virtues of the people who serve our country. Veterans earn every extolment (yes, that's a real word) through their not only their career but their very lives. I don't mean laying down their lives and dying for this country, though Veterans vow to do that when necessary. Instead, I mean choosing each and every day to serve a country through thick and thin. Veterans do not say, "I disagree with this administration; I'm not serving anymore," nor do they say, "I'm bored with my career; I'm going to leave and reinvent myself." I have the luxury of making those choices. Those serving our country do not. Those who served, did not.
Veterans adopt a lifestyle wherein their military service eclipses all aspects of life. Military families experience this when a recall occurs in the middle of the night or the active duty member gets orders to deploy or the member gets orders to move or there's an exercise on base requiring their weekend hours. When I claimed my free Starbucks coffee this morning in honor of Veteran's Day, the cashier said, "thank you for your service." I didn't correct her. You better believe that I serve, too!
Recent events have precipitated warnings for military and dependents to reduce visibility of their military affiliation. You won't see me posting a photo with anyone in uniform or writing on Facebook about how proud I am of my Veteran. There is an evil in this world that I will not knowingly inform. On the other hand, I appreciate those taking a stand to display their pride in our military, in our Veterans. Lord knows our Veterans have worked hard for and deserve this appreciation. If for only one day of the year, join me in thanking those who served and those who continue to serve.