First off: Excited to announce that today is the first day of my daily Thoughts for Strength over on Patreon! So excited to hear what you all think! And Secondly, thank you to everyone who signed up for a free trial of Amazon Prime, and who have been using my link: amazon.com/shop/beautybeyondbones over on Amazon. You all rock!
OK – onto tonight’s post!
You know what we, as a society, take for granted?
Freedom.
Veterans Day was over the weekend and honestly, it was like society just didn’t show up.
I saw practically zero social media posts, no specials on TV. And if it weren’t for the obnoxious furniture store Veterans Day sale commercials on my music streaming service, the day would have come and gone without so much as a blink.
I’m sorry, have we forgotten that these men and women literally put their lives on the line to protect out freedom? Have we conveniently forgotten?
Where’s the gratitude, people?!
We’re taking it for granted. The generation that is coming up has never had to live through an active, draft-the-young-boys war. Seventy years ago during WWII, 18-21 year olds were storming the beaches of Normandy facing an almost certain death. Where as, today, we have to offer “safe spaces” on college campuses to that same age group. What happened?
And sure, we’re fighting the War on Terror, but nowadays, it feels like if you even acknowledge that cause, you’re some intolerant, backwards thinking, backwoods bigot. Or even worse, a *gasp* republican.
There is a cost for our freedom.
Brave men and women have sacrificed their lives, literally, so that we have the freedom to live and go to school, safely live in our communities, Snapchat our opinions, and exercise our right to vote.
These are luxuries that, sadly, not everyone has, and we’re just oblivious to the fact that these blessings are not entitlements. Veterans fought for that freedom. And many died for it.
I remember back, after 9/11, there was so much respect for our military.
I remember in Ohio, near my hometown, there was a solider who was captured and killed in Baghdad in 2004. It was all over the world news. And people came out in droves to support his family and our military. There were bumper stickers. Flags flown from car windows supporting our POWs. We wore rubber wrist bands, a la Livestrong. The state of Ohio named a highway after him. People cared. People recognized and appreciated the incredibly selfless sacrifice that our servicemen and women make to protect our freedom.
And we have forgotten. And not only have we forgotten, but it seems as though we almost look at the military, and those who associate with it, as political deviants who are Trump supporters and are a joke.
Who do we think we are?
We should be kissing the ground they walk on.
These men and women are the backbone of our country. They’re not out there making little snarky political rants on Facebook, or jabbing at our elected officials, or complaining about the current state of Washington, or joking about moving to another nation to escape this insufferable existence we have in our country.
Why?
Because they’ve literally left their families for months at a time to serve this country and protect you and I from any and all threats.
And I, for one, am damn grateful.
Veterans Day was a poor display of gratitude, people. It was pithy at best.
It’s time we stop and give those brave men and women the standing ovation they deserve. Put aside your feelings about Trump, or guns, or our involvement in the War on Terror, or even your political affiliation, and show some freaking appreciation.
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156 responses to “The Home of the Entitled”
Hi Ryan, thank you for sharing your opinion. I respect your belief, even though it different from mine, and I appreciate you stopping by. hugs x
Thank you for sharing, this is very true! I’ll be honest and say that there was literally publication of the matter. In fact, I didn’t even know it was Veterans day until late in the day.
Thanks friend! yeah, i feel ya there. definitely snuck up on us this year!! glad you stopped by! hugs xox
No worries xx
xoxo 🙂 🙂 🙂 xoxo
Not, all of us have forgotten. I had an uncle in WWII. He was in a foxhole and a German tank pulled on top of it saving his life, as they did not know he was underneath it. He laid there in that foxhole for two weeks with that tank on top of him. He could see the feet of the German soldiers walking around that tank. It was winter and his feet froze. When he got out they wanted to give to him military disability which we refused saying, “There are a lot more in worse shape then me.” He worked until he retired with feet problems for the rest of his life.
The only time he ever fussed at me is one day I was over there and we had dinner and I did not like something my aunt cooked. So I refused it as a kid does. That is one thing you never did in his home, was turn your nose up to food. When you did you heard the stories of those kids in WWII, with belly’s swollen until they popped open from hunger.
He always said the best thing that could happen to this nation was WWII for one week. He said then everybody would shut up and go to work and be thankful for what they have. Thanks for this post. Love you and God Bless,SR
Hi SR, thank you so much for sharing this. and WOW what an incredible story. Thank you to your uncle. I am speechless at his bravery and honor. There’s actually a lot to that – it would definitely make us grateful for the little blessings in life. glad you stopped by! hugs x
as a military spouse i appreciate this post! thanks for sharing your thoughts and thank you for your kind words and gratitude! hugs!
Thank you! and thank you to your family and your spouse for the sacrifices you’re making for our country! big big hugs xo
and i will definitely be keeping you all in my prayers 🙂 x
I appreciate you thinking about US veterans God bless!
Thanks friend! God bless! Hugs and love xox
You’re very welcome much love to you!
xox 🙂 🙂 🙂 xox
Ryan, and you served when in what branch? Your attitude has already controlled you more than any government could possibly control you. Could I buy you a ticket to Saudi Arabia, or China or maybe N. Korea? I don’t really care what you say about our government but,
YES PLEASE buy me a ticket to GET THE FUCK OUT of America. I will SWIFTLY AND HAPPILY go to Russia where people are TRULY FREE and there is NO POLICE STATE or DEMONIC ALLEGIANCE to ISRAHELL as it is here in MERKKKUHHHH
BTW i do NOT need to serve in any military branch to understand WHAT MORALITY is and what right and wrong is. NEITHER DO YOU. Just study the bible. ALL WORLDLY WAR IS EVIL EXCEPT SPIRITUAL warfare which is GOOD.
My dad was a WWII veteran. He was born on Independence Day (July 4) in 1919.
He died on May 15, 2009, in Lilburn, Georgia, at the age of 89.
Many of us were fortunate to be raised by a responsible, moral, conservative father — imperfect though he may have been. He scoffed when his children cried, “that’s not fair.” He taught us work before play, the value of money, self-respect, right and wrong, and the limits of government and the power of personal responsibility — if not in words, by his example. I am grateful for many blessings, but a conservative father is chief among them.
I use the word conservative with a small “c”. While he voted Republican most his life, politically he was probably a Libertarian. He listened to Neal Bortz everyday after he retired. His conservative world view did spill over into his politics. My own father never organized anyone. He expected people to organize their own lives, and their own communities, free from the obstacle of tyrannical government preferably.
He never presumed to rule over another, nor did he expect anyone to tell him how to live his life. He never lectured from stadiums grandiosely flanked by Greek columns, but his words resonated. He never padded a resume, nor embellished, let alone created, his own history.
And yet, his history speaks volumes.
My father grew up with strong, Christian and Jewish, honorable men who served and defended this great nation, knew hard work (he was 10 when the Great Depression started in 1929), God-given liberty, and right and wrong. My father grew up when Sunday was reserved for family and church; before helmets were required to walk to the mailbox; and before putting the playground bully in his place with a discreet right hook was criminal.
He knew how to change the oil in his own car, and how to farm and garden before leftists commandeered produce for social change. He watched great men land on the moon, and even greater men returning from war. He understood why soldiers fought those wars, and he was grateful and humbled. He would never brag about anything.
When I asked my dad how he was doing he would say “I got up this morning”. For him, hat was a good day.
He fought in World War II and didn’t like to talk about it. He grew up before MTV was around to bash Christians, and glamorize teen pregnancy, victim-hood, bad behavior, and hedonistic drunkards from the Jersey Shore. To my knowledge, my father never dealt drugs, ate dog, nor perfectly recited the Islamic call to prayer.
He was a great man of GOD. I honor him and miss him.
Wow, Michael, what an incredible and beautiful tribute to your father. May he rest in peace. What a strong man of God, and courageous Patriot. My heart is filled with so much gratitude for his sacrifice to our country. It’s brave, selfless men like him who have enabled us to live the blessed existence we have today. You should write a book about him, and I’m not even joking! reading your words made me nostalgic for a time before Snookie and TRL. Truly. Thank you again, and I’ll be keeping you and your family in my prayers. big hugs xox
Thanks for your kind words. Blessings to you. God is with you.
God bless ✨💛✨
I am guilty of not displaying my appreciation publicly. But I am very appreciative of the sacrifices our vets and soldiers made and continue to make. I did work ‘behind the scenes’ by restoring a damaged army portrait of a friend’s grandfather – which he ended up posting proudly on FB. Thanks for the figurative kick in the fanny.
Hi Joe, thanks for this reflection. Haha a kick in the fanny, that made me chuckle. Sounds like an awesome thing you did for your friend 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Might be a regional thing.
True, that’s a great point. Thanks Brandon. Hugs and love xox
I’m so glad you noticed how bad our veterans were treated this past holiday! I thought maybe I had missed something! I’m embarrassed to say the least. Without them there’s no us. So grateful for their service and sacrifice!
Hi Kammie! thanks so much for this reflection. Yeah, we need to show them some love and appreciation! thanks for stopping by! hugs xo
We tend to get lazy in recognition when it doesnt pertain to us at the moment. Very ADHD like. I’m guilty at time of doing it as well but I appreciate anyone who sacrifices their life for my freedom. I just have to become better at displaying it. Great post☺
Hi Lakell! that’s so true. I need to become more outspoken about my gratitude in those things too. Sometimes I get bashful about posting on my personal instagram and Facebook (go figure! haha) But if they’re willing to risk it all for protecting my freedom, a Facebook post is the *least* I can do! just sent you an email! let me know if you still can’t get it! thanks again 🙂 big hugs to you xox
The least we can do!! I appreciate your prompt response to my email. I really want to read your book. ☺You are welcome and thank you!!
No prob!! Thanks again! Hugs and love xox
Hugs and Love❣
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I’m amazed to hear disrespect for armed forces. From some comments you hear these days the thought pattern seems to be armed forces are a group of blood thirsty people who delight in going to war because war satisfies them. There are very few of that kind. The facts are soldiers are servants of the nation and are sent sometimes unwillingly into battles they wish were not necessary in order to protect our way of life and do their best to ensure our future safety. Why would we want to disrespect these brave souls who have families they leave behind so we can be safe? I don’t understand that mentality at all!. If it were not for the American soldiers fighting beside our Australian troops we in the South Pacific would be living as slaves today. We are so grateful that there were people willing to die to protect our families and allow them the prosperity they enjoy today. The same thing with battles in Europe. My wife was a refugee who came out of that kind of enslavement in WWII and is enormously grateful to the American troops who freed her family from the Nazis. To her that was not an illusion. The experience living with that as a child haunts her today. Thank you for reminding us all that without our soldiers we would not have the lifestyle and freedom to express our dissent we have today.
Hi Ian, thanks for this reflection. Yeah, I love how you put that: they really are servants to our country and I have the utmost respect and gratitude for them (and their families!!) Wow, what a story, your wife has. I’m so glad that everything turned out okay for her! big hugs to you xox
Bravo, this is fantastic. I completely agree. My mom’s dad and her brother both served, and every Veteran’s Day, I am always so grateful for their service. My brother and I have friends who are currently serving, and I have dated guys who have considered enlisting. I am always so in awe of the men and women willing to face their own mortality and experience the closeness of death, while I live safe in their service. I saw a few posts thanking those who had served the few days before Veteran’s Day, but on the day itself, all was quiet. It is such a shame that the people that keep us safe (including place officers) are being forgotten and disrespected.
Again, thank you so much. I will be sharing this.
thank you so much friend! wow, thank you so much to your grandfather and uncle! what a selfless sacrifice they and their families made for our country. It always leaves me in awe when I really think about these people packing up and leaving their families to protect people that they will never meet. All in the name of patriotism. It is truly selfless. thanks again. hugs xo
Thank you for caring. Back in 66-71, nobody ever thanked us. All of the thank yous that weren’t said after Vietnam can never be replaced. While we appreciate the thank you that we got this year, for most of us it’s too little too late. And I would love to see Mr. Hall make his comments to the face of a Vietnam veteran who fought for the freedom that gives Mr. Hall the right to spew his venom. Sorry, but I couldn’t let it go by and I’m surprised that you have left it posted. It’s just another slap in the face to me and thousands of other veterans. Enjoy your evening.
Hi Walt, thank you so much for your service to our country. It was because of your selfless gift to this country that we have the freedoms and blessings we have today. You are a hero. And I know that gets tossed around a lot and has lost meaning in the general sense, but I mean it — you are a hero. And i am so very grateful. If you’d like, I will take his comment down. Please just say the word. Big hugs xox
One more rant… this are your words… “It’s time we stop and give those brave men and women the standing ovation they deserve. Put aside your feelings about Trump, or guns, or our involvement in the War on Terror, or even your political affiliation, and show some freaking appreciation.” If you really want to show us some freaking appreciation you’d remove his comments.
I will remove them right now
Done 👍🏼
I’m sorry to cause a problem on your blog, but it just hit me like a cheap sucker punch. Thank you for your understanding and compassion. You know how much you mean to me. Hugs & Love xoxo 😃💛
anything for you, Walt, my friend 🙂 ditto! hugs xo
It sounds like in Canada we did a better job of observing what we refer to as Remembrance Day. It’s so important that we have gratitude for the sacrifice made by our armed forces regardless of how we might feel about the politicians that sent them into harm’s way. “At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.”
I️ think you’re right Ashley. It’s SO important. Yes – we should remember them. Hugs to you friend xox
Veteran here. Worse, a Veteran who works supporting other Veterans and their widows and their orphans when both parents have died when these beneficiaries cannot take care of their finances for multiple reasons of incapacitation. Oh and worse yet, voter for Trump. Glad to see you get the picture and are supportive of the men and women who allow others to have their safe spaces by putting their lives on the line. That’s very heartening. So, really, thank you! I spent the weekend with my little girls. So, I feel very blessed in that. Bloodthirsty as we got was watching The Grinch Who Stole Christmas. It’s good to be home, alive, and having my chance to continue on doing the things I love. I appreciate your kind words in your post. Thanks again!
Hi friend, thank you so much for your service to our country. I️ am just humbled to think of the sacrifice you (and your family!!) made so that we could have those freedoms. Yes! It is good to be alive. Thank you again, hero. God bless. Hugs and love xox
Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Ann. Hugs to you friend xox
I get what you’re saying. As someone that grew up in the military it bothers me deeply how this country of ours treat the veterans. They deserve far more quality care than what they get.
I will say though my social media experience was different than yours but this is likely due to the large number of vets and active duty in my friends list. If they aren’t serving or have served, then they are married to or immediately related to someone who is. I saw plenty of personalized and individualized expressions of gratitude on Facebook. So I can comfortably say not all of us have forgotten. I didn’t see any generalized thanks going up. It’s easier I think to thank someone you know.
My sons that are going to public school brought home “Thank A Veteran” assignments to give to my dad. The class was to either write or draw their gratitude or glue a photo to the sheet of paper. It was nice to come to visit the school for their grandparents’ luncheon and see all the completed sheets posted on the hallway wall. So many of them had photos of these kids posing with their loved ones in uniform.
Honestly I can’t speak on the behalf of anyone else, but my children at least are aware and do understand. It’s just we’re quiet about it because that’s what I think my dad prefers. He couldn’t even go with us to see the Moving Wall when it came to our state. He claims he doesn’t have PTSD, but I see the guilt in his eyes whenever the wall is mentioned. He hardly ever talks about Vietnam.
Thank you so much for this reflection. I’m glad your social media experience was different! That’s good! And wow what an awesome assignment your sons had. It’s so important for the upcoming generation to remember and respect the sacrifices made so that we can live in the country we do Today. And thank you to your dad and family for the sacrifices you made. Hugs and love xox
Right on target as always! And was that a “Boy Meets World” pic I saw?
thanks Matthew! haha yes it was Boy Meet World! i can’t resist a little vintage Cory Matthews! 🙂 hugs x
I think one goes through so much there it’s hard to be normal, again. Let alone, meeting other normal people that could relate or appreciate it. The little boy I was when I left is somewhere with the other little boys kinda, wondering, when its time to come home. My uncle became a pilot and was a Native, he didn’t like the distinction as first Native anything so he joined the Airborne and called himself a Ranger, not a pilot. Haha. My grandpa, also a Native and a pilot. There was a helicopter pilot, a Seawolf. A few marines. An IED disposal guy. My other Uncle’s cousin was Ira Hayes. Oh. Me. I would spend summers with them. Learning. I was not the best, anything. Haha. The competition is fierce the more specialized you become. I did pretty good for a reservation kid. I still help other veterans as much as I can. Like you. Help everyone. Thank you.
Wow – what a line of heroes!! Thank you and your family for their service. Truly a self gift. One i am very grateful for. Hugs and love xox
My family. We go back to the 1860’s with the Army. The 1500’s with Spain. We wanted peace between Natives and, newcomers. We did fight for territory of six states. Well. We know how that ended. The stigma is always there. We were not poor people we were made poor to create this nation. Yet we are not treated the same. There’s no one left to fight anymore. So. We’ve diverged into new territories. Several nurses. Two doctors. Many artists. The origin of Veterans day was to promote and celebrate peace. I can see in my history almost two hundred years of warriors to get to our first doctor. Many fought and died before we were recognized as American citizens even though most were born in Nevada. So. I earned peace finally. Just like everyone else that did not earn it.
Wow this is such a powerful perspective. This really gives me a lot to think about. I’m so glad you feel peace. You definitely deserve it 🙂
In my opinion-the elite media are intent on erasing our history and confusing individual freedom, a democratic republic in favor of democracy and the good of the majority. The idea that our citizens volunteered to defend our constitutional rights is an anathema to those bent on perverting the constitution or discarding it altogether. Our society as founded is a God given miracle and there are fewer and fewer that recognize that. We’re going to have to go through some ugly times before the great awakening happens. I am blessed to have a fellow disciple of Christ that tells it like it is that I follow here. God bless the USA and those that serve to defend this great country.
Hey friend, thank you so much for this thoughtful response. Sadly, I️ think you’re right about an awakening. We’ve got to keep our eyes on the truth and not be discouraged! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
My refuge is in Him🙏🏼💐
Amen amen amen! Hugs and love xox
THANK YOU!!! Your post meant so much to me and touched me greatly. My son is in his 6th year in the Air Force…his first 15 months in Turkey, 2 years in Japan and 1 year in South Korea. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen him. Even family has kind of forgotten about him…no more cards or care packages sent to him. Those in the military are so easily forgotten…it’s sad.
Hi Stephanie! Thank you for this powerful response. Wow, thank you so much to your son and to you and your family! What selfless sacrifices you are all making – not only his service, but also being away from loved ones, missing holidays, the incredible physical mental and emotional demands. He is a hero!!!!! I’m so sad to think about our servicemen and women being forgotten. Let’s start a remembrance movement! I’ll definitely be keeping him and your family in my prayers. Hugs and love xox
Well said, Caralyn! Couldn’t agree more! M. A.
Thanks so much MA! Big hugs to you xx
Bless you for remembering us Vets. I would slink around in my hometown wearing hats to hide my short hair when I returned home from Vietnam. We’re doing better for our Vets now, but we still have a long way to go.
Thank you so much for your service to our country. You are truly a hero, and i cannot begin to express the level of gratitude I️ have for your sacrifice. Sending the biggest hug
Hi Caralyn, thanks for sharing this. I’m Canadian, as you know, so we call it Remembrance Day. I was like one of your other commenters, who said that he didn’t display his support publicly like he should have. I meant to get a poppy from the cadets who always have them outside the grocery stores, but I never had any change in my pockets. My church even gave them out the Sunday before and I forgot to get one.
I haven’t recently, but I make it a point to thank every veteran that I meet for their service and it is always much appreciated.
I was at work on Saturday and my foreman made it a point to stop work and have a time of silence. He told me later on that he grew up in the Netherlands, after the war, but during the war his parents had planned to move. Three days before they were to move, the apartment block they were to move to was bombed. If they had moved beforehand he wouldn’t have existed. God had a plan!
Thank God for the many men and women who gave their lives for our freedom and for the many more today that serve, both in the USA and in Canada.
Blessings!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful reflection. Wow what an incredible story! Yes God has a plan indeed. Yeah I️ think they even Just a simple thank you goes a long way. Glad you stopped by. Hugs and love xox
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I am so sorry to report that in 2017 the U.S. was demoted from a full democracy to a flawed democracy for the first time, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU).
https://www.cnbc.com/2017/01/25/us-is-no-longer-a-full-democracy-eiu-warns.html
If I were a American I’d be very upset about this. This is not what your veterans fought for or what the majority voted for. Note Canada and Australia are still full democracies.in the top 10
Hi there, friend. I️ appreciate you sharing this. Hmm, definitely something to think about. Hugs and love xox
From the beginning, America has been a democratic republic with discreet states joined together. The Senate is designed to give small states, with smaller populations, some equality. The USA has 326 million citizens in 51 states, compared to the 22 million citizens each of Canada and Australia. Texas and California have more people than either of the two countries you mention.
The Electoral College is a reflection of our congress: one electoral vote for each representative and senator. The purpose is specifically to keep the top 10 states (who have the majority of voters in the U.S.) from ruling the other 41.
Von Smith, size has nothing to do with the ranking of the US as a flawed democracy. The US is ranked only slightly higher in the flawed group then India – the world’s largest democracy. Full democracies are nations where civil liberties and basic political freedoms are not only respected, but also reinforced by a political culture conducive to the thriving of democratic principles. These nations have a valid system of governmental checks and balances, independent judiciary whose decisions are enforced, governments that function adequately, and media that is diverse and independent. These nations have only limited problems in democratic functioning.[6]
Thanks for remembering the vets today! My dad was a messenger in France during WWII and saw Dachau shortly after it was liberated. Like so many of his generation, he never would talk to me about it. Only after he died did I ever come to realize that he saw plenty. More at Patreon
Hey Jeff! Wow, what an incredibly powerful and life changing experience for your dad. And what a selfless gift he gave in service to our country. Thank you to him. I️ look forward to reading your thoughts! And I️ have an email that I’ve been meaning to send you for the last couple days! I’m going to get on it! Have a great night x
you too!
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Thank you for sharing your thoughts your comments were very sobering to me. Thank you to all the men and women in our country who have risked their lives to ensure our freedom!
Thanks friend. Yes thank you to those brave and selfless souls! Hugs and love xox
Well done. An overdue spanking for a lot of us.
Including myself, and I was drafted in 68 but your words hit the mark anyway. I thank God for you. You are wise and old for your years.
Hah thank you Roland. What a kind thing to say. And thank you for that too. Different times then for sure. Sending big hugs xox
Well written – Well said.
Thank you!
Thanks Mike! Hugs and love xox
Yes. All of this.
I think what makes me even more sad, though, is that some people literally do not want this freedom. A couple months ago, in one of my rare political arguments via Facebook comments, one of my friends said that she would gladly trade some of our freedom for a certain issue she was in favor of, and when I pointed out that her position was against the Constitution, one of her friends said “What’s so important about the Constitution anyway?”
A popular political blogger (whom I won’t name here because the one time I shared a post from this author that I thought was something everyone agreed with I still got called out as a racist full of white privilege) wrote a piece a few months ago about how the United States of America is basically nonexistent, because there is nothing that unites us as a people anymore. In light of what I just mentioned above, and of what you said, it’s sad to think that there may be quite a bit of truth to that.
Oh boy, that is a scary sentence about the constitution. And what an even scarier thought about unity. Sadly I️ think there’s some truth to it too. I️ mean, you think about the things that really matter to people: faith, life, family, politics, education, -now even football- and there’s a position on everything. It’s sad to think about. Thanks for stopping by! Big hugs xox
All of this has had me wondering the last few years if I should have left California when I had the chance. California is in my blood enough that I don’t know if anywhere else will ever feel like home, but the culture and government here are quickly and aggressively moving away from my beliefs and values. Part of me feels like I’ve exhausted every possible way to be happy here. But another part of me feels like I probably still have problems that I’d bring with me wherever I went, and I have a lot more to lose now than I did when I almost left 12 years ago, since I have a mortgage and I actually like my job.
Yeah, I️ can definitely feel you there. The reason i have opted to stay in nyc vs move to la was because it seemed like nyc had more of the Midwest values I️ grew up with. I definitely feel you. And I️ will keep you in my prayers 🙂 Hugs and love xox
Thank you 🙂
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I saw almost non-stop acknowledgement of Veterans Day on social media, there were numerous events and such going on for veterans. Maybe it is because my husband, father, other family members, and many friends are veterans I was so conscious of it all. I’m sorry to read that you didn’t see the volume I did of people making a point of thanking veterans for their service.
Oh good!! I’m so glad to hear that people acknowledged it on your feed. I guess that’s an NYC based Facebook feed for ya! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox
I teach at a community college, and can attest that every veteran I’ve taught is a pleasure to have in class. Deep thinkers, and well aware of the subtleties of American politics. I often think of the 2000+ veterans who travelled to Standing Rock when the Dakota and other indigenous nations were praying to block the oil pipeline. Those veterans were going there, unarmed, and ready to stand between the people and any armed offensive aimed at their removal. Truly heroism, and testament to the personal sense of justice that can motivate selfless actions, despite what those who are “in charge” of military actions are actually up to. Much respect and thanks.
Hi Nichole, thank you for sharing this perspective. Wow, what a powerful story. Yeah, brave and strong souls for sure. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for bringing that to the attention of everyone. Having been born in an Air Force family it went without saying that Veteran’s Day was recognized. In fact, my maternal grandfather was a US Marine in WWII as well.
I lived outside Washington, DC for over a decade and it was always a bigger issue there, but you are right, it seemed to come and go without notice this year. The fact that I live in a Northern California suburb now should not make a difference.
I forwarded your blog to my father, a retired Air Force Lt. Col. who still lives outside DC. My mother, now in heaven, was laid to rest in Arlington Cemetery, close enough for both of her parents to still keep an eye on her.
Jim! I don’t know why all of these comments were automatically filtered into the “spam” folder, but I am so sorry to just now be seeing them! THANK YOU for all of your family members that served our country. what an incredibly honerable family you come from. thanks for passing this along to you dad. sending such big hugs x
Well said 🙏
Thanks so much! Hugs and love xox
My dad is a veteran, Captain, Air Force, and our whole city celebrated. @cptvsb IG
Oh wow that’s so awesome. Thank you for his service to our country! What a hero! Hugs and love xox
I so agree with you on this. It makes me sad for our Veterans the way we are behaving here in this country and the way we are behaving is gradually wearing away at our freedom.. When I was a little girl I remember our neighbor was a WWII Veteran and I loved him dearly, the sweetest man. He got cancer and my mother took my sister and me to visit him at the VA Hospital in Nashville. This was back in the late 60’s during Vietnam and I was only 5 or 6. What I saw left a deep impression on me. The sick and wounded in that hospital and my mother looking around and saying, “This is so sad.” I have loved our Veterans ever since and I wish I could hug every one of them personally and thank them. Whenever I get the chance I do. My great uncle was at Normandy where he drove one of the landing craft. He received a Purple Heart and Silver Star. You never heard him speak about it because he was so humble. I guess it was because he just did what he had to do for this country and that’s just the way it was. Another uncle flew gliders during WWII and once again was very humble. Just so many brave and very young men. It’s amazing what they did.
Hi Montee, thank you for this powerful reflection. Gosh how sad. That breaks my heart. What a gift you are giving those veterans. And wow. Thank you to your great uncles. What brave men and heroes. Hugs and love xox
We call it remembrance day. Still a pretty good response. There were some years / decades where it was perceived as uncool by the younger set. I think everything has changed in that regard. It’s like this world has surplanted the world of my youth. 😊
remembrance day. I like that – because remembering is what we should be doing! thanks for stopping by! hugs xo
Yeah it sounds sorta old fashioned to me… so appropriate esp for WWs I and II. Best to you. xx 🙂
amen to that! hugs
Thank you so much for this post! I agree, we need to show our support for those who have sacrificed so much for our freedom. My husband’s uncle died during Pearl Harbor. My father served in the Navy during WWII , my great uncle was a paratrooper during WWII. There are countless others who served and even gave their lives so that we could be free.
This veteran’s day we took my husband out to eat to thank him for his service. He was in the military during Desert Storm. Thanks again for the post and a huge thank you to all veterans who have sacrificed for our freedom! God bless America!
Thanks so much Joy. Wow, thank you so much for your husband’s and all your family’s service to our country. and for the sacrifices YOU and your family has made as well. you all are heroes 🙂 God bless America! hugs xo
I had quite a different experience. My friends and family FLOODED social media with Veterans Day memes and posts. There may have been a generational difference there (he wrote, mentally compiling some very loose statistical trends). There was definitely less pro-veteran language and sentiment among millennials. But all generations certainly saw flags, testimony and deep respect paid to veterans. In fact, I pretty much see pro-veteran stuff all the time. And I live in the Northeast, where people are supposedly peacenik hypocrites. I think the recent PBS series on the Vietnam War is helping people face the music about how confused society was about our veterans then. It was shameful; I remember. But truly that’s all gone now where I live.
Hey you so much for this perspective. i’m so glad that you had such a positive experience this Veterans Day and all the time. that’s so good, because they truly deserve the utmost respect and gratitude. hugs x
Our military has often been controlled by warmongers. They train and use these young people as tools to manage the nations of the world. China and Russia have drawn the line. We will now see what develops. Continue to write and share the things and in the style you’re so good at. Peace.
Hi Gary, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. Peace and love to you as well! x
Thank you for this post! Love your clarity of heart and thought. Love your backbone. And such a contrast between age groups then/now. Remembering and giving thanks with you!
thanks so much for this kind response. I seriously appreciate the support! hugs x
It is said that on average 22 veterans commit suicide daily. Maybe just maybe it is because they see and feel it was for nothing! I am a Marine veteran and luckily not one or the 22…
Hi Jay, gosh that is such a sad statistic. Breaks my heart. i also want to thank you for your service. you’re a hero and what an incredibly selfless gift you have given our country. hugs x
This is so true! I totally agree with you on this post! Although I’m not an American Citizen but come on, where’s the love? Where’s the reverence? May God continue to have his way in Jesus Name! Have a blessed day and thanks for sharing! Much love and hugs! Xx 🙏😇❤🌺✨
Hi Tammy, thank you for this refection. I so agree! where’s the love and respect, indeed! same to you! glad you stopped by! hugs x
You’re utmost welcome as always! Thanks much && God bless!
xoxox 🙂 🙂 🙂 xoxox
Great posts and congrats on the new book. I can’t wait to read it. ❤️
Thanks so much!! Aw I️ really appreciate that:) big hugs xox
Big hugs to you as well.
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You are fired up, aren’t you? And rightly so.
Remember; You’re in NYC. As one from New England, Veteran’s Day was a to do more so in the rural areas where I grew up than in, say, Boston, where I lived for a time.
I’m still in the city (D.C. Metro area, now), but people are big into Vets because there’s so much military around here. It’s nice.
What we’re seeing though is huge cultural change. Generations that fought and are more civic-minded are dying off as a, let’s say, different generation with different life experiences is rising. What you are expressing is being out of step with your own generation. Gloriously out of step.
Not all are entitled. Something big will happen and people will step up. You’ll see.
But yeah, your anger is completely justified. These people fought and died for us, many VOLUNTEERING to do so. Not to honor them, or worse, to actively mock them, is an utter disgrace.
Yes I️ am Alex! Thanks so much for this thoughtful reflection. You’re so right I️ think there’s a big difference in the generation coming up now. And yes to think it wa voluntary is just so incredible. Wow. Heroes. Hugs and love xox
Hello again lovely inside and out!! Its taken a LONG time for Veteran’s Day to get what it needs, which is any kind of “”proper” recognition. When I was little, it was celebrated “on the 11th” but I actually don’t remember any great recognition for it. Then when I was a teen in the 80s, whoever so brilliant decided to put it “just on a Monday” in November, thus turning it into “another long weekend”. When I moved to South Carolina in the 90s, Public Schools didn’t get it off, (but mine did since I taught Catholic School). but it was in that time that The Veteran’s Administration fought hard and the day was restored to its original November 11th. I think that ever since Vietnam, we’ve tended to be skeptical towards Veterans. The ones from the wars we’re more positive about (The World Wars) are mostly all gone. Korea, so many just plain forget unless someone in their family was in it. But then came along Vietnam where so many not only struck up against the govt, but also the soldiers themselves. THAT WAS VERY WRONG!! It was Westmoreland, LBJ, (even JFK to some extent and ok even Eisenhower) and then Nixon, who pulled all the strigs!! it wasn’t the solders’ fault. This wasn’t some war like some in South America where the army is calling the shots. Westmoreland did but not the whole army like you hear about. We’ve come to watch these wars forgetting what the men and women fighting in them sacrifice, regardless of how inaccurate the current administration in charge may be about running them. (like W and his “weopons of mass destruction frenzy). There are more and more Vets Day recognition/remembrance ceremonies in more places as the years go by. They have them near me. Many are in smaller areas than say NYC, like back in your native Ohio, or in other parts of NY State. I’m glad its a day off for many to think about these things. Its not “just a day off”. Thank you for bringing this up so that hopefully many will read it and think. You are always so wonderful!! xoxoxoxo
Hey friend! Thanks so much for this powerful perspective. You’re so right – there’s almost a mistrust and that makes me so sad. This is such an interesting take on things. Thanks for sharing that. You’re right. Not just a day off indeed. Hugs and love xox
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Amen!!
Thanks Jen! Hugs and love xox
Caralyn, I’ve been thinking alot about this post. And you’re right we need to do more to recognize them, and appreciate them. These men and women are the real heroes! Not some football player.
But I think it has to do with 2 reasons.
First, I think is because we are a more secular society. Meaning without faith our values change. And our culture is more about making money now, through our careers etc.
Secondly our political climate in this country is the worst I have ever seen in my short lifetime. Regardless of what side we are on, it is so toxic and unhealthy now. When I was growing up politicians talked about issues. Now it seems to be more about slinging mud than anything else. Our country is just constantly arguing. So our environment for patriotism takes a big hit.
Anyway these are some thoughts I had. More people need to have a heart change. Peace.
Thank you so much for this thoughtful response! You’re right! They’re the real heroes indeed! And I️ totally agree … enough with the mud slinging. So glad you stopped by! Hugs and love xox
As a 21 year veteran of the Submarine Force, Thank You for your kind words.
Hi friend, thank you so much for your service to our country. Wow 21 years. The sacrifices you and your family have made — you are truly a hero. God bless you and yours. Hugs and love xox
Amen sister! I love it when people tell it like it is and do so with class ❤ Congratulations on your book and all the other awesome things you have been building 😀 I am inspired! ❤
Thank you so much Cavelle! I️ really appreciate your kind words! It really means a lot! Hugs and love xox
Thank you. A very important post!
Thank you John! So glad it resonated with you! Hugs and love xox
I am a Vietnam veteran. You are right; most people have no mental or emotional connections to the military; many citizens have no idea what military service is like or for. A polite, “Thank you for your service” feels like a smarmy, condescending brush-off, disguised spit. They are just dodging support for the wars in which we served, and the government during those wars. Maybe a small committee of pacifists sat down to create a way to save face without giving real gratitude.
“I’m glad you made it back,” or “How are you now, after being in the military?,” “I hope you are well,” “Thank you for my freedom” or “Thank you for defending our country and my liberty,” something sincere. No gratitude, just ignorant, political correctness. I can hardly criticize the young; this idea of war veterans has been cultivated and passed on by the grandparents who opposed the war in Vietnam.
Maybe a tour in Afghanistan would trigger real appreciation.
Hi Von, You are truly a hero and I️ am indebted to the incredible sacrifice you and your family have made in service to our country. You’re right, those that haven’t been will truly never know the horrors of war. So thank you from the. Bottom of my heart. Hugs and love xox
Thank you for posting this! It seems our society is getting sicker by the day and most have forgotten (or never known) what is truly important! At least most of those who are free to spout off at the mouth over such pettiness. This reminds me of spoiled children who have never had to work for anything in their lives and are deluded with self-importance, disregard for others and a twisted view of what struggling, suffering and lack of FREEDOM truly mean.
thank you so much Eve, I really appreciate this powerful reflection. you’re right -we need to remember those who have fought and sacrificed so that we can enjoy all of the freedoms we have today. amen!! hugs to you xo
Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU. God, it’s such a relief to hear someone in my age bracket acknowledge the men and women who literally LAY DOWN THEIR LIVES for the freedom we not even take for granted, but basically spit on these days.
I shudder to even admit this in today’s political climate, but I am a republican more or less (I think most people nowadays have to straddle the fence with the crazy platforms and issues that shouldn’t even BE in the government’s hands in the first place) and you’re right, it’s almost as if being patriotic or recognizing the immense sacrifices made for this all-too-often ungrateful nation is frowned upon. And I get it, republicans aren’t very popular nowadays, but honestly, patriotism and gratefulness for those who earned your freedom for you should never be a partisan feeling. This is a great post. Following your blog!
oh gosh thank you so much Sam, I’m so glad this hit home with you. I know, we have so much to be grateful for. Yeah, the political climate these days is so hostile, and friend, I feel you on that one! Thank you so much for stopping by and taking the time to read! big hugs xox
I just commented on one of your other posts about the selfishness of our society and this post is another example of that to me. Sadly, honoring our veterans should be as a-political as it gets, but our current divisive environment makes veterans nothing more than a political talking point against an opposing opinion. Unfortunately, people forget that our veterans, while in the military, follow orders, regardless of anyone’s thoughts, feelings and opinions – but not without respect to those thoughts, opinions and feelings.
If it were not for a medical condition that prevented me from joining the military, I would have gladly done the same as a brother of mine, my grandfather, a few cousins, my father-in-law, and other members of my family, as well as s cereal friends. And to top it off, I am proud of my own daughter that serves as a reservist and subject to being called to active duty.
Bottom line: Our veterans and military members are willing to make the ultimate sacrifice and I pray to God to keep them all safe.
Hey again friend! you’re so right – I pray that He keep them safe too, because they’re giving such an incredible gift of serve to you and me. and wow – thank you to all the members of your family who are serving and have served! i will definitely keep them in my prayers. Hugs and love xox
Thank you so much for these words. My 3 brothers and I all served along with my Dad and two of my uncles, and my stepdad as well. We cover the range of conflicts from WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. I remember in the 70’s, when I served, our platoon and company commanders warning us to never wear our uniforms off-base because many civilians then expressed disgust and hate toward vets after the Vietnam War. It is much nicer these days for both active duty soldiers and vets as far as the attitude toward us goes. Once more, thanks and many blessings to you.
Thank you so much DT! and wow, thank you for the amazing service that you and your family have given our country! what a family of heroes! keeping you and your family n my prayers. hugs to you friend xox
The attitude of entitlement is over here too. It’s far too easy to feel comfortable and feel like your deserve the world, I think it manifests itself in different ways and this is just one of them. I’m slowly getting through your posts ☺️
I agree. Thanks for all your reading! 🙂 Hugs and love xox
I’ve got more reading to do but I’ll get there. Love and hugs xox
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