Veterans Day Remembrances

All Americans should pause for a moment on this Veterans Day to think of the sacrifices their fellow countrymen have given for them. Unfortunately, many of us never really think about our veterans. This lackadaisical attitude has become even more prevalent with an all volunteer military force. Many people claim to "support the troops" while our forces are on the battlefields of Afghanistan and Iraq however, bumper stickers are a relatively small sacrifice to pay. How many of us have thanked a serviceman or servicewoman lately? Are we too concerned with worrying about ourselves? Do we ever consider the values that members of the military hold dear? Have you ever tried to define service to country or patriotism? Is there an appreciable difference between a veteran and a non-veteran? Do our children understand the differences between the trivialities of life and the life of our nation? I can only hope that some of us think about these things.

Veterans are basically no different than the rest of us. They want to succeed, be happy, and live a comfortable life. That said, all of them have answered a higher calling. It does not matter whether they served as a conscript in earlier times or, as a volunteer now or then. Veterans have all experienced life beyond themselves. The military is a microcosm of America and its members come from all walks of life. The defense of our country bonds them together in search of a common goal. All of them possess a deep love of country and often have a difficult time understanding their fellow citizens who confuse opposing governmental policies with condemnation of their own nation.

Every veteran is different however, the majority of them hold some values in common. There are four values that veterans hold dear. They are integrity, humility, courage, and knowledge. Personal integrity is of paramount importance for them. It is simple to define: Veterans say what they'll do and do what they say. Humility is also important. Veterans subjugate personal wants, desires, and accolades and pull their weight as a member of a team. Veterans value courage. This is not limited to courage under fire. Veterans have the courage to do the right thing regardless of personal sacrifice and the ability to hold their compatriots to set standards of behavior. Veterans understand the importance of knowledge. They realize that the pursuit of knowledge is a never ending task. The only way to avoid a paradigm is to constantly strive for the acquisition of new knowledge and skills.

All veterans served their country for personal reasons and the rest of us who either couldn't or simply didn't feel the desire to serve our nation owe all of them an immeasurable debt of gratitude. They represent all that is good about America and their legacy extends from wintry Valley Forge to the heat of Baghdad. We all would be well served if even a few of us could escape our narcissism for only a moment and remember the sacrifices of our veterans.

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Society and the Individual

Where is the line which separates societal responsibility for a fellow citizen and an individual's sense of self reliance? Society does not want to appear hard hearted however, mandated assistance oftentimes becomes a hindrance to personal development. As the old saying goes, "you can't help those that don't want to help themselves." Many Americans confuse equality in life with equality of opportunity. Anyone who vainly seeks a guarantee in life is doomed to disappointment.

Individuality is a cornerstone of American culture. Unlike many countries in the world, we stress the importance of the individual in our society. This importance provides one with vast opportunities. Along with opportunities comes personal accountability. Why do many of us wait for what we feel we are owed by society? Is this not a waste of time? Of course there are those amongst us who have a genuine need but unfortunately, there are many others eagerly awaiting freebies.

We all can agree that the flooding of New Orleans during hurricane Katrina was horrific however, think back on the incessant cries for assistance. Mississippi suffered inundation and full strength hurricane winds. Property damage exceeded that of New Orleans and yet, the populace bent with the wind, analyzed their predicament, established work priorities and, commenced with reconstruction. The residents of New Orleans clamored for assistance. Were mistakes made at all levels of government? Of course, but government is always inefficient. Government has a role to play however, the strength of the individual in time of need will always supersede any governmental agency.

More recently we have all watched the wildfires in Southern California. Property damage has been extensive however, where was the looting and incoherent cries for assistance or endless charges of blame? Like Mississippi, the residents of Southern California have displayed inordinate courage as we have watched them take charge of their own situation. Will they require governmental assistance? Of course they will but the key word is "assistance". They will take the lead in reconstructing their lives.

Every individual is responsible for what he or she does or does not do. We all can use a helping hand now and again but the expectation of such help in lieu of personal effort leads to the disintegration of a flourishing democracy. If all of us would set personal goals, endeavor to achieve them, adjust them as necessary and, only seek assistance to supplement our own efforts in time of need, then America would shine even more brightly.

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