I was asked to speak at an elementary school event on these four questions. 1. What is Veteran’s Day? It was called Armistice Day first because it celebrated the end of World War I, also known as the war to end all wars. The armistice or peace documents were signed on November 11th, at 11AM in 1918. Here we are 103 years later and sadly, it was not the war to end all wars. Indeed, there are wars and rumors of wars as we sit here in relative peace. 2. Why it is important? We celebrate our Police and Fire Department personnel because as first responders they come to our aid when we are in trouble, but also seek to prevent trouble from happening in our towns, counties and states. When trouble arises for our whole nation we send out the military branches to handle that. I was in the US Air Force for nine years, the Navy for two and over ten with Army making me too old for the Marines so I retired. While all of those branches primarily handle issues outside of our borders, we do need someone to guard our ocean borders and the would be the US. Coast Guard. There are also Air Force and Army National Guard unit to respond to dangerous situations within our borders. We are free to live our lives in peace because of the men and women who have served in the wars our nation were in before and after World War I. Had not people like my Uncle Eugene Diehl and my father-in-law, Robert Weaver served in WWII, the land east of the Mississippi might have been under Nazi control and the land west of the Mississippi could have taken over by Imperial Japan. All of Europe could have been under Nazi control. South Korea would not be free if our people and our Allies had not fought there. All of Southeast Asia would be under Communist control had we not fought in Viet Nam. And the list of wars continued after that and sadly will for many years as not everyone wants peace. So today is important to remember the ones who have served our country and are still alive to enjoy the freedom they helped to secure. Memorial Day is when we remember with respect and gratitude the ones who served, but are no longer with us. 3. How you can participate, understand and honor those who have served our country? When I was growing up we had Veterans Day parades where along with other groups Veterans would march and be cheered and applauded. Often they would have banners showing what war they fought in. When I was eight, it was still possible to have World War I Veterans in the parade. I guess that shows how old I am! There are not many of those anymore. So we can participate in other ways. You can ask an adult to see what Veterans are in various nursing homes and send them a card you created thanking them for their service. Some will say, “Thank you for my freedom.” A Veteran will often reply with, “My duty and my privilege” or “Thank you for your support. There are other organizations that will help you send one to the troops that are still serving. You will often see many men wearing a hat or a vest that has their branch of service and maybe even what war they served in. If your parent is with you, you ask them to go with you and say thank you and maybe even shake their hand. You do not know how good that will make a Veteran feel to know that their service is not forgotten. Some people have made up little cards that say thank you and will hand them to a Veteran or leave it on a car with a Veteran sticker or license plate. If you see a man in some kind of clothing that indicates he is a Veteran and he looks bad because of his wounds or maybe acts a little odd do not say mean things to him. He has seen and done things that you cannot even imagine. If you are a person of faith, say a little prayer for him because while his body is here it may not be in good shape and at times his mind is still on the battlefield. Do not make fun of him. He paid a heavy price so you would not have to pay it. Even if you never see a Veteran, you can give them the best gift by doing you very best in school and grow up to be a good citizen as that is the opportunity they gave you. Take advantage of your freedom, but never take if for granted. 4. Finally, maybe you would like to serve your country in the future! If you love planes, the Air Force has the most of them and is why I chose that one first. If you love the ocean, the Navy has ships, some with planes, and submarines.
If you love the outdoors, the Army has plenty of great equipment for the field. If you love discipline and tough challenges, the Marines may be the one for you. If you love all of that and want to guard the back door then check out the Coast Guard. Whichever one you choose, you will be in for a grand adventure and a great career if you want it. Then you will become a fellow Veteran. Thank you for allowing me to come and have a wonderful day!
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