Only a small number of people make the decision to serve their countries. Signing that dotted line automatically brings you into a brotherhood that creates bonds closer than family. Sacrifices are made not just by the service member, but those that are involved in their lives. I won't lie, it's hard. Service members often have to put their jobs before their families even when they're 'home'.
The practice of thanking a veteran always threw me off-kilter. These articles explain it better than I could. We volunteered for this - we chose to make these sacrifices. Yes, it's challenging even on the good days, but it's our life choice.
“Fulfilling your duty is unlike a favor, which I think of as deserving a personal thank you,” Moon said. “I always appreciate those that take the time to recognize our service, but I never expect it.”
In fact, through trial and error, some veterans have spent years crafting a proper, comfortable response. For Jarveaux, his standard reply has become: "Thank you for noticing." But, he added: "I don’t want it to be taken as sarcastically, in passing. It is sincere.”
With the bad, we have the good. We have a brotherhood that spans the world. We can live in all kinds of areas. We are pushed to the limits to become stronger in every way possible. Take your time to chat with them. Many veterans love to tell stories. Most of our conversations usually begin with "No shit, there I was..."
"The people who wear our uniform and carry our rifles into combat are our kids, and our job is to support them, because they're protecting us."
Happy Veteran's Day to my brothers and sisters across all the years and all the countries. Thank you for all of the lessons learned and the stories shared through countless patrols and air insertions. Through conflict and sacrifice, we all became something closer than family. We'll always remember those who lost their lives, but it's also noteworthy to celebrate those who live.
