What does Veterans Day mean to you? A salute to veterans

||| FROM PAT AYERS |||

When that question, “what does Veterans Day mean to you” is asked of me, I think about my incredible experiences of being a member of the Armed Forces. When I joined ranks with my boot camp comrades as we marched onto the graduation field after 12 long weeks learning to become a ‘military team,’ there was a sense of pride that came from my heart and soul. I was going to serve my country under the American Flag!

My recruiter told me that after graduating from boot camp, my military career would “be just another job.” It was far from “just another job.” The military took me from the farmlands of the Midwest, to shores of the Atlantic Ocean, beaches of the Great Lakes, to warm waters of the Caribbean, and finally to shores of the Pacific Ocean, for my last four years with the US Navy as a hospital corpsman.

My reason for joining the military was selfish; I wanted to gain education in the medical field. But I soon discovered that not only would I get education, I would gain experiences that I still appreciate today. The military taught me how to respect others as well as myself. It taught me teamwork and comradery. And it afforded me with excellent educational opportunities and life-long experiences. It gave me a sense of pride and humility which only those who have served can understand. Pride for wearing the uniform and fighting for our country’s justice. Humility knowing that life is fragile during time of war and in time of peace. Humility knowing that freedom is not free; pride knowing it’s worth the fight.

On Veterans Day, we pay honor and tribute to ALL men and women who have honorably served, or continue to serve our country since the American Revolution. Military men and women who serve and protect America come from all walks of life; they are mothers and fathers, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and coworkers, and are an important part of their communities.

We also remember their families who sacrifice time with their loved ones, perform an unbalanced share of household responsibilities, and often have to make difficult career and educational adjustments due to frequent address changes.

Veterans Day is a day for all Americans to recognize those who have given us our freedoms – the veterans of the United States Armed Forces. And while Veterans Day comes only once a year on November 11, it is important to remember veterans every day of year. So the next time you stand for the National Anthem, and see the American Flag as it is being flown, think of the veterans who fought and continue to fight to give you this privilege. And the next time you see a veteran, whether active duty or retired, be sure to thank them for their service to our country. I can tell you from personal experience, it means a lot! It reminds me that the sacrifices and commitments were not made in vain.

Happy Veterans Day to my fellow comrades. Thank you for your sacrifice and service to the United States of America!