Another November has rolled around and America still stands. Outside our Lord’s benevolent goodness to us, the reason we still stand is due to our dedicated armed forces—the American military. Army, Navy, Air force, Coast Guard, Marines.
Five Wars were fought in the 1900’s: World War 1, World War 2, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and the Persian Gulf War. Loss in death was horrific, but thankfully a lot of our men and women did return to the USA. Thus our Vets.
Our official Veteran’s Day is November 11, a day when most Americans feel a patriotic pull toward thankfulness. The week is filled with flags, memes, and local celebrations. I love seeing the vets passing out poppies. We tear up while reading Flander’s Field, hang our biggest flag or stick little ones in the yard, and put pretty patriotic pictures on Facebook. In the past, I have made it a special point to say a personal thanks to my brother-in-law and to those special church members who generally are recognized on that day. And I remember Sparky, who died so long ago.
As the years have rolled by, many of our young people do not personally know the price that was paid for our America. Probably few can name Wars, Generals, Countries, Presidents or other leaders of American Wars.
How many youth knew a veteran personally? How many only have an image of a man in a wheelchair sitting on the street corner with no consideration of the thankfulness due him. One reason few know the real story of a veteran is because, few of them will recount what they experienced on the battle field, and who can blame them? Why bring up such horrible memories? I have one veteran friend who has agreed to let me tell his story.
So for the next five days, I will be writing Steve’s Story, my effort at putting a face on an American Veteran from the Viet Nam War.
Sweet aroma 
A wonderful tribute Oneta- it’s hard to wrap a head around 5 major wars taking place within the span of 100 years
I’m surprised at how many vets are all around us, but unrecognized for the price they paid, or were willing to pay. I would like to think wars are over, but I know they are not. We are still having young men and women sign up voluntarily to go do the job. Some great people out there amidst the losers that are making news, being victims, and betraying our country.
Will wait for Steve’s story.
Thanks for joining along.
Shall I say ‘Godspeed’ or will it be blasphemy coming from an infidel😀
I don’t think so, but I don’t know for sure. Only you and God know whether you are blaspheming him or if you are sincerely wishing me well, which is the way I take it. So I say thank you. I am almost believing you are wanting to pick a fight with me, and I’m not taking the bait. 😀
Ah, the spark is gone😀.
There is nothing hidden in my wish to you. That’s from my heart.
I thought so. No blasphemy. God wants us to be good to each other. If there is no God, I wonder why we think we should be good to each other. Humm. I’ll think that over.
My firm belief is that it doesn’t matter when one does good if someone else is looking. What matters is doing good even when no one else is looking.
Now God, is He / She looking at us at all times? I don’t know. Have to ask when we meet next😀.
Great idea. Will be cool to read about his experiences for Veterans’ Day!
Thank you. I was glad he gave me his story.
Very much looking forward to reading Steve’s story as you tell it.
❤️&🙏, c.a.
Thank you for your kindness to leave that comment. Blessings to you.
11th November is certainly honoured here in Oz 11am 11th November calls us to remember all soldiers in ALL NATIONS who suffered and died in all the wars of the past 100 years. A relative young nation, one generation of young people never came home after WW1 .Whole towns lost their young generation and animals waited for ‘lost’ owners until they died. Yes we will stand and REMEMBER ALL who fought and died and indeed veterans who are with us. 11/11 is not like our Anzac Day where we remember Auzzie and NZ sacrifice and loss. 11/11… 2 minutes silence to remember ALL veterans and all who lost their lives protecting our shores and U.K. suffering and loss in World War ii. including the blitz years . American losses and veterans will be remembered with gratitude also, World WAR suffering affected indeed the world. Italian and German Also Turkish often stand at our Cenotaphs heads bowed REMEMBERING.
Sounds like great honor, respect, and thankfulness for the sacrifice made. Blessings.