Remembering Our Veterans

A Simple Gesture That Means So Much

Today is November 11th, Veteran’s Day. It seems to be the forgotten holiday. It was not moved to a Monday to extend our weekends, and for many companies, it is not even one of the paid holidays workers receive. Thankfully, there are reminders.

I was sitting in my office working on copy for an insurance continuing education course. And, let’s face it – looking for a distraction! I looked out my window and saw several small children and a couple of adults stop at our mailbox. I couldn’t tell what they were doing or what had them so fascinated with our mailbox. I asked my Mom if she knew why they stopped. She told me they were the pre-kindergarten children from our neighbor’s daycare. Our neighbor had asked my Mom if she would mind if the children hung one of their drawings to thank my Dad for his time in the service. They have been doing this for years. My Mom said, “You know my husband died.” Yes, they knew, but wanted to honor him anyway.

So now our mailbox has the beautifully, colored ribbon with the simple message, “Thank you Veteran.” I wish my Dad was here to see it. Nothing was more of an object of pride for my Dad than his military service – well, maybe his family. My Dad, like so many veterans, loved his country, his family, and would do almost anything to protect both.

Douglas M. Miller, Veteran of WWII
and his lovely bride, Marjorie E. Miller

There is something special about veterans. We saw another unfortunate example in the retired veteran who was one of the victims in the recent shooting at Ft. Hood. They don’t make a big deal about their service and don’t even expect a simple, “thank you.” But, they do appreciate it and some could really use it. As a Baby Boomer, I grew up in the Vietnam era. My brother, Martin, fought in Vietnam. It was many years before we remembered to thank those veterans. I am thankful that despite political views, we no longer seem to punish our veterans and our military men and women for controversial wars.

So even though you are probably not at a barbecue or watching a parade today, take a moment to remember our veterans and to imitate the children from down the street with a simple, “Thank You!”
They certainly deserve it.