Spend a day thanking Veterans for your freedom!

November 10, 4:09 PMPittsburgh Day Trips ExaminerMark Yarris

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Kandahar A.F.B. Flags: In honor of Those who Served...
Mark Yarris, R.L.A.

U.S. President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed an Armistice Day for November 11, 1919. Seven years later on June 4, 1926, the U.S. Congress requested the President issue another proclamation to again observe November 11, in a more ceremonial fashion. On May 13, 1938, the day of November 11 became a legal holiday dedicated to world peace and was designated as 'Armistice Day'." Today, some 70 odd years later, the day is celebrated as Veterans Day.

All American’s, and I do mean all Americans; need to give thanks for the freedoms they enjoy today! From the first proclaimed American who died in the American Revolution, to those who fought in the War of 1812, Civil War, the present conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and all those in between, not one American can deny the sacrifices made by American soldiers, alive and died, who put their lives unselfishly on the line so we can express how we feel about politics, our government, the wars, taxes, our elected officials, big business… you fill in the blanks… without repercussion! It’s because of brave souls like them that we have a place where we do not have to go to bed in fear. We are FREE!!!

Most Americans don’t pay much attention to the real meaning of such holidays like Memorial Day, Independence Day, or Veterans Day any more. To many, it only represents a day off from work to party, shop, vacation or just plain kick back. No reflection, no sober moment, no prayer, no thanksgiving, no thoughts of the men and women who went, served, died or came home from war (not as the same person that left). Americans need to remember that these brave Americans protected us, our values, and our way of life!!!

I personally have first person contact with those who have and are putting their lives on the front lines in Iraq and Afghanistan. My nephew, Josh, recently served a tour of duty in the hot sands of Iraq. He led men into harms way to clear the path so other troops and civilians could safely enter cities and other areas in Iraq that were under attack. Like most servicemen who do their job, (a job most Americans, frankly, could not fathom doing) he does not talk about it, but he is proud to have done his duty and served his country! My young nephew, Drew, recently enlisted in the U.S. Navy and is expected to ship off for Afghanistan soon. Please keep him in your prayers. My brother, Kevin, who retired from the Air Force, recently volunteered to go over to Afghanistan for the U.S. government. He also has been under fire and my family and I keep him in our prayers continually. Please do the same.

Veterans Day and the war in Afghanistan just became a little more personal to me. Yesterday, I received an unexpected box from my brother, Kevin that contained five U.S. flags. These flags are not just any flags, but ones that recently flew over the Kandahar Air Force Base this October in Afghanistan. The flags might not seem significant to some, but to me, it represents all those United States military men and women who are fighting, been injured, and even died, unselfishly for us… and others around the world!

This Veterans Day I challenge you to reach out to the military families that recently lost loved ones or had family members injured in Iraq, Afghanistan and sadly, closer to home, those military personnel who were wounded or died in the violence at Fort Hood. Let those that serviced during the Vietnam War know that they are appreciated for their service just as much as those that served in the Pershing Gulf, the Korean War and both World Wars. Buy a soldier, past or present, a cup of Joe, lunch, dinner, a ticket home to visit loved ones or a night’s stay in a warm motel room. Show them that you care!

So make a concerted effort. Spend Veterans Day, or any day as a matter of fact, out and about shaking hands with as many Veterans of past and present wars and thank them for the personal sacrifice they made for you! Remember those Veterans that have passed on. Let all military men and women know that you are thinking about them, and that it is because of them that you are proud to be an American!