Veterans Day
My father served as a Seabee during World War II. My brother and his wife were in the Navy a few decades ago. Now, two of my children are Air Force Reservists.
Yesterday, Tuesday, November 11, 2014, was Veterans Day. In honor of the day, the high school, where my daughter attends, paid tribute by having a program in the gymnasium.
A brief synopsis of the program as I remember it follows:
- The Principal of the high school gave the opening welcome.
- The captain of the high school ROTC gave a brief speech.
- The color guard presented the flags.
- The high school choir sang "The Star-Spangled Banner" a cappella.
- The local United States Senator spoke.
- The high school band played a number which included the songs for each branch of the military and those in attendance who had served or are serving, stood when their respective branch song was played.
- Members of the ROTC gave a rifle demonstration.
- The choir sang "God Bless America".
- Two trumpets played taps.
- The ROTC marched out while everyone stood.
- The audience was dismissed.
I was very moved by the program; the tone was both reverent and joyful. The presentation was exceptional. The mix of generations united to accomplish one goal, that of honoring our veterans.
How ironic to have something so beautiful come about because of something so horrific: war. That three letter word was the reason we were all assembled. How extraordinary it would have been, instead, to be honoring those who served because of peace.
Once, when I asked my mother why bad things happened, she told me how she had heard a preacher say that if it weren't for bad times we wouldn't be able to recognize good times. Sometimes that is understandable; still, why does there have to be war?
Miniature, and not so miniature, wars happen in our daily lives all the time. Parents fight among themselves. Children fight. Customers at stores sometimes fight over a potential purchase; this is a good reason for me to avoid the biggest shopping days. Drivers may get angry, hence the term "road rage". And the list could endlessly go on.
Peace has to reside within us before we are able to effectively function peacefully with others. This is an ongoing challenge for those who are physically or mentally ill, abused, jobless. Again, there are so many factors that may keep individuals from feeling inner peace.
For me, finding inner peace is a daily struggle. It helps to think of all of the good things in this world, in my life. My family, the ability to worship openly, being able to vote, good health, going outside without hearing guns, all these and so much more help me to recognize peace. Taking time to be thankful for all that I have allows me to feel peace.
For those moments when reactions can quickly escalate into mini wars we need to have some hidden ammunition, to help ourselves draw back into our own sense of peace. Doing this takes practice but can result in turning abrupt reactions into moments for showing kindness and affection to others.
Veterans, to me, do not represent war. I prefer to think of them as peacemakers who unite so that we may look to the future with faith, hope and love.
And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:13.
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Nice post, Diana. I agree with you, but I doubt we'll see the elimination of wars of any size in our lifetime. Sadly, I think it's part of the human condition. I have a bad temper and I'm always talking to myself, telling myself to calm down, that there's a better way to handle things. I agree with Donna that maybe we can't solve the big wars, but we can do something to help the little ones.
Carla,
I can relate! I tend to react first, though am getting better at waiting a bit. Sometimes it is impossible for me to wait which has caused some conflicts not easily resolved! Then it takes so much work, depending on the other(s) involved to return to a peaceful climate.
It is sad to know that major decisions, made by individuals, have such a devastating impact on whole countries.
Diana
This was an inspirational post. What a great program that school put together. War will always be...just as black and white, hot and cold. It is the human nature.
We can only keep praying that we will live to see Peace. Certainly we can work to keep it in our own homes.
Thank you for writing such an inspiring "peace!"
Donna,
Thank you for your comments.
Yes, unfortunately, war is part of human nature.
One point I had tried to make was that we, as individuals, tend to have little "wars" often about insignificant events. Therefore, it is sad, but understandable, that big wars can happen.
We can continue to work on peace, both as individuals and as members of larger groups. We also need to acknowledge and participate in healthy activities and nurture others.
By using our talents we can improve the future. Our examples may affect and inspire many others to do the same. Giving up is not an option!
Diana
Speaking as a veteran of Viet Nam my personal opinion is any politician who votes for war should be made to participate in the fighting of it. Instead we elect the absolute dregs of society because they are the only choice we are given and they make either bad or emotional decisions without any regard for what the are sending our children into. I served proudly, two tours, army special forces and that changed my life profoundly. Most of it not for the better and I look at all politicians with contempt and disgust.
Keith,
I am very sorry for your war experiences. I am in your age bracket but do not, first hand, have experience with the Vietnam war. Many who are dear to me, however, fought and my heart breaks thinking about it!
As a mother, I "fought" to keep my children from enlisting. In spite of that, two of my children, one boy and one girl, are reservists.
The senator who spoke during the program is a veteran himself. He, too, is very much against war activity and adamantly shared his position.
"All" is a huge position to take, and I hope you will be open to finding some good. You have made a choice to dislike all politicians without getting to know the individuals. No matter our experiences, we need to remember that there will always be both good and bad, those who share our positions and those who don't, in any organized body of people. If we can't find some good, where is our hope for the future?
Diana
I appreciate your response. everyone is entitled to their opinion. That is one of the reasons I served, to preserve that right. It seems to me that congress especially, needs a reality check. It would be nice if some of the honest ones would gang up on all the dishonest ones. Realizing they are outnumbered severely.
Keith,
It would truly be boring if everyone held the same opinions! Thank you for writing back. I agree, the honest should gang up on the dishonest.
I do love your site and subject! :)
Diana
What use has a veteranday, with all ceremony and talk, when they won't care properly for the veterans?
Loes,
I'm not feeling great today so may end up editing my comments later, but here goes!
The program served a purpose. In working towards satisfying that, honoring the veterans, many good things happened: multiple age groupings worked together, similar ages worked together, the community members who attended in addition to the whole student body attending, shared in this experience which brought about public awareness. Pride was surely felt, not only by the veterans but also by those using their gifts to share with others as well as the whole body of those in attendance. God was openly welcomed into our school.
So, my reply to you is that, although greater care needs to be provided to some of our veterans, just the fact that we had a day to honor veterans brought about many, many good things to our community. Surely this program will have impact on many of those high school students who attended and participated. This a great way to bring about change!
There are so many problems which need continued focus and work for resolution; ample support for veterans is one of those areas of need. Communities coming together, sharing gifts, public awareness, pride, all will contribute to solving problems and improving situations.
Individuals, by themselves, can help towards peace by working on communication skills, anger management, and more. Those same individuals can come together with others to work on problems in mass.
Diana
Veterans do not represent war! They represent the peace and freedom we would not have had they not defended it!
Jesus is a Veteran who fought a war only He could win! So that we could walk in the Love of our Father!
Christabelle,
I totally agree! My point was that, without war, we would have no reason to have a "Veterans Day". My last statement was that they are peacemakers.
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I love the quote from the bible all the best
Thank you Maxiam, that is one of my favorites.