When I was a child, I did not understand war. As a senior citizen, I wish I did not understand war. When working as a television journalist, I recall feeling greatly humbled and honored to meet and interview our State’s eldest doughboy… from World War I. Over the years I have known many veterans of too many wars.
Whether or not we have understood the particulars of why our nations’ leaders march our young people off to war, we do understand the sacrifice made by everyone involved… and their families. In these days of political uncertainty… international unrest… and warmongering beyond our comprehension, it is timely to recognize all who have served our nation.
Today is National Vietnam War Veteran’s Day. These veterans are my peers. Our peers. Our friends and family. They served… out of a sense of duty. They sacrificed for the love of our country… for the love of freedom and family. It sounds so simple… so small, but I mean it will deepest sincerity… “Thank you.” A gazillion times over.
“Duty, honor, country: Those three hallowed words reverently dictate what you ought to be, what you can be, what you will be.”
— Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964)
American military leader
