There is another way you can honor veterans

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Andy Sauer

Andy Sauer

Since I have been with The Suffield Observer, I’ve wanted to write something regarding Veterans Day. I’ve made attempts, but they just didn’t sound right.

This year, I sought the counsel of someone I respect and admire. He’s a World War II veteran and has participated in some of the most historic battles this nation has fought. He’s indefatigable and possesses the most generous heart.

I told him I wanted to write something that truly honored our nation’s veterans. What should I write?

What followed was a profound polemic about our present day. It started with a disillusionment of politics. It continued with the fatigue of the divisive debates and endless requests for money. He finished, more or less, by pledging the rest of his energies and resources to help his church, a place that he felt has been home for 80 years and which he feels has been shamefully neglected by younger members of his community.

This guy is a great guy, but I didn’t understand what he was trying to say. I thanked him and walked away no clearer as to what to write. As the hours ticked to my deadline, I kept thinking about what he said.

By definition, a military veteran is someone who pledged their life to shoulder the burden of their nation’s conflicts. They served because they were compelled to for their country. The word “country” can mean different things to different people. It can mean nation, state, town, community, family, friends, church, tribe or any word that means “home.” In other words, they did it for you.

It must deeply pain people who have served to see little progress or, worse, a decline in the values and institutions for which they made sacrifices.

I think that’s what my friend was trying to say and what he wanted me to write.

One way we can show our appreciation for military veterans is to say “thank you,” especially on the 11th day of the 11th month that designates Veterans Day.

Another way is don’t be a jerk.

You can show respect for military veterans by being more respectful, every day, to everyone and everything that defines us as a country and community.

There is no immutable natural law that guarantees the longevity of our nation and everything we hold dear. As a matter of fact, the laws of nature seem to promote the opposite, which is why it will always be necessary for people to make sacrifices in the service of their country.

And, it’s up to us to make sure that service means something.

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