Although Veterans Day comes once a year, the time to honor the brave men and women of the service comes every day with the interactions you have with veterans. Each May, veterans gather at the Elk City Veterans’ Memorial at the Elk City Cemetery to pay tribute to those who lost their lives through the dedication to our country. It seems as though honoring each person who dedicates his or her life to fight for the freedoms we enjoy each day as we want. The freedom to do what we want and when we want to do it is forgotten in the hustle and bustle of our lives.
On Veterans’ Day, as well as Memorial Day, we formally give thanks to the brave and honorable soldiers. It is a special person who is able to swear into any branch of the military. Are they recognized enough or honored enough? To me it is never enough to say thank you to someone who pledges to give his/her life so I can live my life with the freedoms I enjoy each and every day.
Sometimes I complain about the stresses of life, but I am fortunate to say I can change those stressors because of the very special person who has said, “I want to serve. I want to be an American who fights for the lives of others.”
Could I be one of those individuals who has given up my own personal freedoms to give that freedom for others? Probably not. I do not have the skills, talent, or gifts that would give myself to our country and community. I value those who do. I respect everyone who has made the life changing decision to become a part of American history and defend my life and freedom.
Veterans Day should not be one day a year, but every day of the year. Thank you for your service, I salute you, and I value what you have given to me.
