Thanks From A Grateful Nation

Today is Veteran's Day in the United States.  It is Remembrance Day in Canada.  Either way, it is a time to remember and acknowledge the acts of those who have served our nation(s) in the armed forces.

Veterans, past and current, are amazing people.  Here, in Canada, the focus is often on the aging vet.  You've seen him (or her), the aging person, somewhat shrunken, walking slowly, perhaps with a cane.  He wears a cap or a medal identifying him as a vet.  These individuals are proud of their acts, but also modest.  They answered the call, and lost much in the process.  They are somewhat surprised, yet grateful when someone notices.

In the US, there are two days.  Today is Veteran's Day, dedicated to all vets, with Memorial Day in the Spring to remember those lost to us.  The focus has moved past WWII.  Vietnam changed the attitude towards the military.  While amends are being made, it has forever effected the attitude of the public.  Today, following the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it seems the country is trying to make amends.  The younger vet is noticed more, the family too.  Pictures abound of spouses saying goodbye, parents embracing children they have not seen in months (or babies born while fathers were away), and families who have made the ultimate sacrifice standing graveside.

On of the most striking aspects of these men and women who serve their nation is the selflessness with which they live.  So many feel they could have done more.  Those that have fought in combat think of the individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice, dying to protect our rights.  Those who have not fought feel their contribution is somehow lacking.  The men and women who spend "just" one or two tours are amazed by those who spend a career.  For all of them, their actions are never quite enough.  Their service always could have gone that one step further.  Their heroism is not acknowledged in their own hearts.

Today, say thank you.  Post, tweet, BBM, write letters, blog, spread the word.  Your nation and its citizens thank you for your protection of our freedoms, whether at home or abroad.  We understand freedom is not free.

I hope for all of us the words of Ed McCurdy song will soon come true.  Until then, thank you from our hearts to those who protect us.

Last night I had the strangest dream, I ever dreamed before

I dreamed the world had all agreed to put an end to war

I dreamed I saw a mighty room, the room was filled with men

And the paper they were signing said they'd never fight again

And when the papers all were signed, and a million copies made

They all joined hands and bowed their heads, and grateful prayers were prayed

And the people in the streets below were dancing round and round

And guns and swords and uniforms were scattered on the ground

Last night I had the strangest dream I ever dreamed before

I dreamed the world had all agreed to put an end to war