Veterans Day - Honoring & Remembering our Veterans

As the mother of a U.S. Marine, I eagerly anticipate this time of year as we recognize both the U. S. Marine Corps Birthday and Veterans Day on November 10th and November 11th, respectively. Of course, my pride as a military mom is obvious to anyone who knows me, and supporting all our Troops at home and abroad has become a very important and dedicated part of my life. Putting politics aside, and whether I agree or disagree with our involvement in current conflicts, or any war past or possibly in the future, it is a personal belief that our fighting men and women should be held in respectful and grateful regard. Whether having been drafted or volunteered into service, whether having served abroad or in the homeland, recognition for a job done should be given.

Veterans Day brings out the Red, White and Blue of my complexion, and I am an excited flag-waver and picture-taker as our local veterans, veteran groups, local merchants and school bands, all parade along Market Street in downtown San Jose, California. San Jose has a great Veterans Day parade each year, and my husband and I rarely miss the event. (Actually, when our kids were "kids" we participated in one way or another ... boy scouts, karate and band). I will admit, in recent years I now watch the Veterans Day Parade with greater emotion and sometimes tears, and not just because my youngest son is a Marine. Once again, with this year's parade, my husband and I will meet, greet and see Veterans of our generation, Vietnam Veterans, who are finally being given the respect and recognition they so deserve, but were never really given upon their return to civilian life. My husband is among those returning Vietnam Vets who were not welcomed home with gratitude or understanding. Also, as I watch this year's festivities my heart will ache realizing that the number of our eldest veterans, our living World War II and Korean War Veterans, will lessen with each passing year. My dad, several uncles and my father-in-law all served during WWII ... all have passed on ... and each one is sorely missed.

One last thought ...
When my son first became a Marine, I was asked on more than a few occasions ... "Why?" I found it best to respond with my own question, "If not my son, then who? If not my son then who shall we prepare to defend our nation?"

I personally have made a habit of greeting and thanking any Veteran I meet or recognize throughout the year. November, however, is the month to celebrate and proclaim our gratitude for blessings throughout the year. Please remember to include our Veterans of our Armed Forces in your thoughts and prayers during November. And, on November 11th, shake some hands, give some hardy thank-yous, because the smiles you will receive in return are priceless.