The Division we work for tasks units to provide an answer to the question "What Makes Me Strong?" They put the best answer on the Division home page. It's a take on the Army advertising campaign of "Army Strong." Some are inspiring, some are goofy, some are just plain dumb.
But Private First Class Gunn, one of the Soldiers who works in our Headquarters, hit one out of the park with this reflection on Veterans Day:
"Veterans make me strong. Knowing they have fought before me whether they volunteered or were drafted, seeing them stand and salute the flag just as I do makes me strong. It makes me feel honored that I have a right to follow in their footsteps. To have the ability to make sacrifices like them gives me strength. I am stronger when a veteran comes to me and tells me "thank you for your service" after shaking my hand, when all I want to do is shake their hand and thank them for their service. I vividly remember veterans marching down the field during my OSUT Graduation . The proud veterans walked, used canes, and some were in wheelchairs, but it didn't matter to me because watching them made me stronger. Watching them on that day, made me realize that you can do anything if you believe in yourself and believe in your country. It was visible on that day they were proud to have served their country, just as I am today. Now in support of Operation New Dawn, I fight for our country just as they did in previous wars. I know that they believe in me and it makes me strong. The Veterans who paid the ultimate sacrifice fighting for our country, give me strength and pride to carry on."
Guys like this make me love going to work.
Veterans Day is not about the 'Occupy 99%' wackers, or Kim Kardashian's train wreck stunt marriage, or Veterans Day sales at department stores, or Real Housewives of New Jersey, or a chance to make a fool of yourself at a bar or a club because you got a day off. It's not about NBA strikes, Terrell Owens' inability to find a football team that will put up with him, or The Martyr Tupac, or any other made up heroes. It's about humble men and women who answered a call to serve so others could enjoy a good life.
Veterans Day is about the real "Less Than 1%" who make a difference so we don't have to, so take a moment today to say thanks, appreciate the cost of their sacrifice, and then go do some good.
Cheers to those who have served-- It's been an honor to be alongside you.
1 comment:
Thank YOU, Sir for your service and for posting that young soldier's observations. Thank all the young men and women in your units for their service and sacrifices. I will soon be welcoming my grandson home from Iraq...I can't wait to be able to hug him...I am so very proud of every one of you!!
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