Veterans Day 2012
“I think there is one higher office than president and I would call that patriot.” -Gary Hart
Veterans Day November 11th 2012 arrives less than a week after the 44th Presidential election. As one watched the coverage of the election it seems as if now, more than ever, the country is divided. Divided into the “blue” and the “red”.
After hours of watching the media segment our country, it’s hard to believe we can stand as one. However, as we think about today, Veterans day, it makes it a little easier. Our countries flag is made up of three colors coincidentally those colors are red, white, and blue.
“The colors of the pales (the vertical stripes) are those used in the flag of the United States of America; White signifies purity and innocence, Red, hardiness & valor and Blue, the color of the Chief (the broad band above the stripes) signifies vigilance, perseverance & justice.” Charles Thompson, Secretary of the Continental Congress.
Red, white and blue are the colors that our men and women of the Armed Forces dedicate their lives to. They unselfishly volunteer and sacrifice all to protect us, our beliefs, and our country no matter what color the country is on election day. It is because of our Veterans that we have been and will remain free, for without them we are divided and divided we fall.
Some may not recognize the true importance of today. Today we ensure veterans know that we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they have made in their lives to keep our country free.
For those whom do not truly understand why we should raise our flags and thank our Veterans ask someone who’s son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, mom, or dad is currently in harms way or is leaving again soon. It’s a hard conversation that will be filled with heartbreak, fear, anger, sacrifice and pride. Ask a 6 year old who’s dad has been gone more that he has been home since he’s he was born. Ask a wife who has been a single mother and head of household more often than not. Watch a deployment where families say their last goodbyes not knowing if they’ve already had their last hello. Lastly, ask the Veteran who is gearing up for deployment 4; ask a Veteran who has just returned from deployment 1 and is meeting his daughter for the first time; ask the Veteran who is learning to adapt to life with one arm, and then say thank you.
To all of our “Veterans” thank you, one day isn’t enough.
Team Tactical Works