veteran's day

in case you've forgotten why you have a day off school or work (if you do), or if the only images the words "memorial day" bring to mind are those of camping and grilling and boating, then this is for you.

our local newspaper ran a segment this weekend, asking people what they were doing for memorial day. only one person out of six said anything about the real point of this holiday weekend.

look around you next time you're at a restuarant, old folks' home, or the grocery store. most vietnam veterans have several Vietnam insignias on their person at any given time (such as hats, belt buckles, pins, vests, wallets, and bandannas), and that's not to mention the bumper stickers on their cars and flags outside their home. our veterans are dying to be recognized and appreciated.

the vietnam era was vastly different than now. even those who are against the current war grudgingly give a modicum of respect to those who fighting to complete it. that wasn't the case 30 years ago. when the soldiers returned from vietnam -- physically and mentally wounded -- people spit, threw rotten food, shouted insults, and vandalized their homes and threatened their families. (so much for free love.) and to this day, those veterans who never received real gratitude are crying for appreciation.

one thing is for sure, though: for all our talk about supporting the troops, it might not kill us to really honor them one day out of the year. how many of us actually took the time to thank a veteran? to attend a flag ceremony? to talk with our children about the unselfishness that often marks the life of a veteran? or, at the very least, to spend a bit of time in prayer/reflection, considering the grim price this country has paid for its liberty?

it's become a politicized cliche. but our country would not be free without the selfless acts of thousands of soldiers. to any veteran or soldier reading this: thank you, on behalf of the entire country, for your service and your selflessness.