Veterans Day – Thank You For Your Service
Posted on Friday, November 11th, 2011
If you follow my blog even a little, you probably know my Mom and Dad both served during World War II. My Mom was a Marine and my Dad was in the Navy.
My Mom shared many memories of her time serving in the Marine Corp. It was a time when patriotism soared and my Mom was definitely a Marine! My Dad was typical of men who served during WWII. Silent. Really all I know of my Dad’s time in the Navy is what my Mom told me.
Along with my Mom and Dad, I have several siblings who also served, as well as other family members and friends.
Today is a day to remember them all. But, remembering our veterans isn’t enough. We need to say Thank You.
Regardless of any personal feelings we may have about the wisdom of wars – past, present, or future – the fact is, these men and women served our country in a way that most of us haven’t. They deserve our respect, our support, and our thanks. And by our thanks, I don’t mean a bumper sticker that says “Support Our Troops.” I don’t mean a flag in the yard once or twice a year. Not that all those things aren’t appreciated, they are. But…
I mean actually saying out loud “Thank you for your service.”
When you’re rushing around during your busy day, and you happen upon a man or woman in uniform, it only takes two or three seconds to say to them “Thank you for your service.” Out loud. Directly. Face to face.
Yes, I do this. I didn’t always know the importance of this simple act. I’ve learned as I got older and started seeing how much younger the faces of those men and women were getting. So young.
You see, I remember my Mom talking about the “boys” who were enlisting after Pearl Harbor. In my mind, these “boys” weren’t young. You know how you always think of your parents as old? Well, that’s how I pictured these boys my Mom was talking about. Those grainy black and white newsreel images come to mind – detached, fuzzy images of MEN in war. But, they weren’t men. My Mom was right. They were boys. They were her friends, classmates, neighbors – the boys she knew. Some of these boys didn’t come back. Some of these boys came back and never talked about the war.
Now I see very, very young faces in uniform. So young it hurts. And I see them a lot because I live in a military town. The first time I stepped into an elevator with a soldier in uniform, I was shocked to see how young he was. We were the only two in the elevator so he was hard to ignore. I couldn’t help it…
I said; “Thank you for your service.”
He replied; “You’re welcome, Ma’am. It’s what I do.”
And then he smiled.
I dang near cried. I don’t know if it was that young face, that he called me Ma’am, or his smile. From that day on, when possible, I say Thank You… out loud.
This young soldier was not a veteran, yet. God willing he will be some day. I hope more people thank him for his service along the way.
When our veterans are honored in parades, we thank them by waving our flags, or clapping, or singing. This is all wonderful. But long before these veterans are applauded on a parade route, they deserve our thanks. Not our slogans – our THANKS.
So, today, when you stick your flag in the front yard, look around. If you see a man or woman, currently serving or a veteran, say out loud, “Thank you for your service.” I guarantee it will be the best thing you do today to celebrate Veterans Day.
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I tear up when I see any young service person. And always thank them when I see them … makes me feel good.
Great share today.
Thank you, Marydon. I tear up too when I see those shiny young faces. I’m glad you thank them and I’m glad it makes you feel good, but I believe it makes them feel even better. Thanks for stopping by and commenting.