Veterans Day and America In the late 1950s (1957 - 1959) life allowed me a few opportunities to stroll the grounds of the Military Cemetery in Manila, Philippines. I was a very young boy. Even as an 8-year old, I one day realized how many young men, some only 11 or 12 years older than me, had sacrificed their lives and future for the ideals of American Democracy and fight in WWII! Perhaps it was this resolve that made me accept my best friend (Woods) and true Brother-in-Arms challenge, to join the Army with him to fly helicopters. Although I washed out of flight school and he made it through to fly gunships over the jungles of Vietnam, as Regular Army, at a time when most were drafted, we were proud to serve! God bless him for his service and the prayers that brought him home safe! I went on to shake-and-bake school in Ft. Sill, Oklahoma and then overseas to serve as a fire-direction chief on two 1st Cav Fire Support Bases. Thank You to all those veterans who cared enough to serve and support the ideals of this great country of ours! Welcome Home! Today many active members come home to a Welcome and Thank You for Your Service! in the past, many experienced silent indifference. As mentioned in a previous post, I experienced this indifference this morning, this Veterans Day, as I walked through a local Target and Frys Food Grocery Store wearing a Vietnam Veteran t-shirt. Some older ladies were handing out papier-mâché flowers, reminding everyone it was Veterans day asking for donations . . . they didnt even see me walk by . . . not one person stopped me to say Thank you for your Service . . . :-( Its not that I mind . . . I really dont have a problem with that. :-) Many, if not all, serve not for this recognition, but to honor the past principles of democracy and the ideals of freedom that our forefathers fought for and in principle that which many men and women have died for. It is this indifference that is my concern? I find the apathy in this great country of ours something to be alarmed about. When the voter turnout for this midterm election in the country hit a 72-year low National (36.4%)- Arizona (47.17%), I think it is time we pause and reflect on the respect this nation demonstrates towards our American ideal of Democracy? I can understand being upset over the way a capitalistic economy may be run, or government tax-dollar subsidies and the influence of special interest, perhaps even outraged at the inequity between the upper and lower class. But if indeed our leaders (those in Congress and throughout the public and private sectors are not effective) then why not go out and vote to let your voice be heard? Why not participate in trying to solve the many issues facing this great country in the 21st Century global economy? Too many people have sacrificed their lives and others time in service for our freedoms. Action always speaks louder than words . . . and one must wonder if this country is asleep? We all must do what we can to remain energetic, even though some of us may be exhausted from the lack of Congressional leadership and collaboration, as US citizens we need to revitalize our belief in America and in doing so pay respect to all those who serve: our public safety workers, active duty military members, veterans, forefathers, and those who have died in service! If we cannot become a Nation of Servant Leaders, than perhaps we dont deserve to lead anymore? I appreciate many of your thanks this day, but my challenge to each and every one is that we all make a commitment to make this country strong again. Regardless of your political affiliation or personal beliefs, we need to quit bashing one another and work towards a greater good, one which serves humanity and not feed individual greed or uncompromising special interest. God Bless America! God Bless Our Service men and woman, and of course our veterans this day! :-)
Posted on: Tue, 11 Nov 2014 19:39:38 +0000
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