Make a downpayment on the debt we owe our Veterans

I’ve found it awkward to try to thank someone on one particular day.  What makes one day more important to thank someone than other days.  And yet, I’ll add my words of thanks to our Veterans today.  I’m moved especially when I reflect upon what our Armed Forces has done for over 200 years, in wartime and in peace.

We’re an All Volunteer Force:  It’s easy to forget in this eight year war that the men and women who defend our country and our freedom are doing this out of their love of their country.  We are the largest and most effective fighting force on the planet and every one of the men and women who serve and have served in the Armed Forces since 1973 have volunteered to serve.  When I’m in the airport and see several young men and women in uniform, I try to stop and thank them for their service. If we are in the airport lounge together, I’ll strike up a conversation and their conversation runs to all the topics that young men and women discuss, from celebrities to pop culture to sports.  Then their flight is called, they grab their gear and go down the gate to their flight.  It’s difficult to remember that they are as young as they are.

These young men and women are being led by junior officers who in turn are being led by senior leaders at the highest levels.  In a single day, these service men and women could be in combat, rebuilding a school, engaging in diplomacy at the local level, and helping youngsters understand basic human kindness.

We owe a unpayable debt to Veterans and active service members that is large and growing.  Take a minute today and once a week to find a vet and thank their for their service, their sacrifice, and their willingness to volunteer to defend our country.

God bless each one of them.

 

Postscript 11/12/09.  Yesterday, I read a post by Mrs.Abbey Bishop, from Tom Peters blog here.  She is so much more eloquent than I. I wanted to add it to the growing chorus of thanks for our Veterans.

Thomas Jefferson and the Fourth of July

I received this today from one of my close friends, Roger Surbaugh, from whom I have learned a great deal and value his friendship and perspective the longer I am around.  Roger served honorably in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War and then returned to get his MBA and Ph.D. from the University of Chicago.  Roger is one of these gentlemen who helps keep me grounded.  Today he sent me an email that contains words written by Thomas Jefferson just before Jefferson died. I’ve copied the entire text along with Roger’s comments.

Thanks Roger, and God Bless,

Chris

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Note: Thomas Jefferson died ten days after writing this letter, on July 4, 1826 (on that same day, another signatory of the Declaration of Independence, John Adams, died in Quincy, MA). Both died exactly 50 years, to the day, after the signing of the Declaration. I think that Jefferson, realizing that this would probably be his “last word” on the subject of independence, strove for simple clarity, rather than grandiloquent phrases. I commend to you the reading of this, his last letter, with the understanding that he had of the inherent risk necessary for the advancement of the human condition.

RDS

Thomas Jefferson to Roger Weightman

Monticello June 24. 1826

Respected Sir

The kind invitation I receive from you on the part of the citizens of the city of Washington, to be present with them at their celebration of the 50th. anniversary of American independence; as one of the surviving signers of an instrument pregnant with our own, and the fate of the world, is most flattering to myself, and heightened by the honorable accompaniment proposed for the comfort of such a journey. it adds sensibly to the sufferings of sickness, to be deprived by it of a personal participation in the rejoicings of that day. but acquiescence is a duty, under circumstances not placed among those we are permitted to controul. I should, indeed, with peculiar delight, have met and exchanged there congratulations personally with the small band, the remnant of that host of worthies, who joined with us on that day, in the bold and doubtful election we were to make for our country, between submission or the sword; and to have enjoyed with them th! e conso latory fact, that our fellow citizens, after half a century of experience and prosperity, continue to approve the choice we made. may it be to the world, what I believe it will be, (to some parts sooner, to others later, but finally to all,) the Signal of arousing men to burst the chains, under which monkish ignorance and superstition had persuaded them to bind themselves, and to assume the blessings & security of self-government. that form which we have substituted, restores the free right to the unbounded exercise of reason and freedom of opinion. all eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. the general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view. the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of god. these are grounds of hope for others. for ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.

I will ask permission here to express the pleasure with which I should have met my ancient neighbors of the City of Washington and of it’s vicinities, with whom I passed so many years of a pleasing social intercourse; an intercourse which so much relieved the anxieties of the public cares, and left impressions so deeply engraved in my affections, as never to be forgotten. with my regret that ill health forbids me the gratification of an acceptance, be pleased to receive for yourself, and those for whom you write, the assurance of my highest respect and friendly attachments.

Th. Jefferson

Remember Our Fallen Heroes

Most of us mark Memorial day as the start of summer, firing up the BBQ grill, and going to various recreational activities.  For others, it’s another three day weekend. For students in traditional schools, it marks the immediate conclusion of another year of school.
Yet, I ask us to pause this day to remember the hundreds of thousands of fallen heroes who have died in defense of our country and the country’s national interests.

I read an article in today’s paper about a badly burned young United States Marine, Merlin German, who died in April after being horrendously burned from a bomb along a dusty road in Iraq in 2005. Marine Sgt. Merlin German was burned over 97% of his body and endured over 100 surgeries and surgical procedures.  His story brought tears to my eyes and reminded me of a quote by President Reagan over 20 years ago, “…Most of those who died in defense of our country…were boys when they died, and they gave up two lives, the one they were living and the one they would have lived. They gave up their chance to be husbands and fathers and grandfathers.  They gave up everything for their country, for us. All we can do is remember.”

Whether you are Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, or Independent; whether you are in favor of the current war in Iraq or bitterly against it; whether you identify more with the pacifists or hawks, take a moment this weekend to pause to remember, give thanks, and lift up your thoughts and prayers to the men and women throughout our nation’s history who have died to allow us to speak our view strongly, without fear of retribution or death, to spend time with our families, to enjoy the onset of summer, and to have the freedom to engage in recreation and family fun.

And while you are at it, take the time to thank a veteran or currently serving military professional.  They deserve our thanks and gratitude.

Chris

Thank a Vet Again

I’ve a renewed and deepened appreciation and respect for the men and women in our nation’s military.  Here are some key points that I’ve re-learned:

Our nation’s military is an all volunteer force. These men and women have CHOSEN to be warriors to defend our national interest. They deserve our admiration, not any pity.  They are incredibly proud of the service they are providing. I’m astounded by their love of our country, their humility, their humbleness, and their humanity. Rather than a faceless monolithic force, they are just like your and my neighbors with the same challenges that we all face. Incredible.

In the past two decades, the following has happened: the Cold War ended, the United States got a big peace dividend and drawdown of military spending, there is a much greater emphasis on Joint Forces within the US Military community, and there is a much greater emphasis on “Jointness” with other Coalition forces.

We now have what I am convinced will be a generational Global War on Terror with increased complexity, accelerated change, and preparing for not only will be the war today but also preparing for the next unknown enemy in an unknown context.

We have the best military in the world, led by some of the most humble, unassuming men and women who are leading some incredibly talented young men and women that are young enough to be my children.  I’ve been honored to get the chance to sit beside some of them, break bread with them, laugh, and learn from them. Some of them have been wounded multiple times.

I remain in admiration of them and what they do.  Thank a vet for their service and contribution.

And Roger, we still have your ring sitting on the mantle.  Looking forward to being able to see you again soon. Semper Fi.

God Bless and keep safe.

Chris