Happy Veterans Day
A little history lesson for those who don’t know. Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. It took until 1926 for congress to pass a resolution for the United States to have an annual observance beginning in 1938. In 1954, President Eisenhower officially changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day. The Congress being unable to keep their hands off anything, passed the Uniform Holiday Bill in 1968, changing the celebration of Veterans Day from the 11th of November to the fourth Monday of October. This did not go into effect until 1971 but was short lived. In 1975, President Ford changed Veteran’s Day back to Nov. 11th due to the historical significance of the date. Veterans Day pay’s tribute to all veterans, living or dead, but it is especially dedicated to living veterans who honorably served their country during war or peace time.
One of the issues I keep running into is that veterans are minimizing their military service. Justin was a Marine who served during peacetime and continually downgrades his service as a Marine. Justin spent his entire time in the military working at a headquarters unit where he didn't have to go into the field like most Marines are accustomed to doing. From talking to Justin, he feels he shouldn't even be called a Marine because he did not endure the training and hardships that come from being a Marine. Justin was in during Desert Storm and was sent from California to the East Coast to await orders to go to Desert Storm. For various reasons that was not in Justin’s control, his unit wasn't sent to the Middle East. When I suggested to Justin that he give himself more credit, if for nothing more than going through the Marine Corps boot camp, he discounted that too. From what I'm seeing by talking to veterans, Justin’s not the only veteran discounting their service.
Danny is a veteran who didn’t serve in combat or in theatre during war. Danny spent his entire hitch in the Army stationed in Germany. Danny was in the Army during Vietnam and feels his service is “less than” because he did not serve in Vietnam. Danny didn’t go to Vietnam because of a decision made by someone else, not him, and he still struggles with accepting that. He signed on the line just like everyone else who entered the military and was required to follow orders. Danny deserves, and has earned veteran status and the benefits that go with that honor. He continually talks down his time in the Army and has guilt because he had it easy in Germany while others were being killed in Vietnam. I hear time and time again from non-combat veterans that they don't feel they deserve to be recognized at veteran’s events.
Since its Veterans Day I would like everyone who has ever served in the military and worn the uniform of this country to take pride in a job well done to stand and take credit for their service. To all veterans, please take the time and enjoy your day as a veteran. Proudly wear your military clothing or paraphernalia in support of your service. I have given this lecture multiple times to Justin and Danny. I hope they will take the credit that they have earned and stand proud this Veterans Day if anyone asks “are you a veteran”. To all veterans, thank you for your service and I hope you enjoy your day and get all of the benefits you have earned.
For questions or comments, I can be reached at bo@afterdutyvets.com or visit our website at afterdutyvets.com.