Veterans—Why Children Still Need You
This Veterans Day, not only do I want to express my appreciation, but I also want to remind veterans of why our children still need you.
Those who have served in our Armed Forces, during times of peace and times of war, have surely done so with our children in mind.
From the Revolutionary War to the war on terrorism, our service members have fought to protect our freedom and our way of life.
Many of our country’s service members have hoped their service would enable the next generation to experience the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Veterans Day Parade Displays Plenty
It was November 2014 when my family attended our first Veterans Day parade. A chilly breeze blew the little American flags we brought. Trying to stay warm, I alternated the hand holding the flag with the hand snugged in my coat pocket.
Nonetheless, when the parade finally began, I realized I did not come prepared.
It wasn’t the cold air that jolted me. It was the row upon row of fresh-faced JROTC students. Representing various branches of the armed services, they marched with confidence and pride. I had never seen so many at one time. It was sobering to think this could be our next generation of freedom fighters.
Then, I noticed who their teachers were.
Veterans Mentor the Next Generation
The mentors marching beside their students were retired veterans of our armed services.
Veterans—whether you are mentoring cadets, your grandchildren, or the neighbors down the street–America’s young people need you. Thank you, for investing your time and sharing your skills with the next generation. The high school students you walk alongside need mentors who model honor and integrity. For many of the teens, you are the only ones who care to teach them about self-discipline, hard work, and perseverance.
Veterans Make History Come Alive
To many students, history may seem like a bunch of facts and dates memorized for a test and nothing more.
However, veterans make history come alive. Their presence evokes thoughts of those who served in the past. Veterans give our past heroes a face. They show students that the names in their history books, and many more who have not been publicly recognized, are not just names. They were real people—sons, husbands, dads.
Some endured frightening situations in hopes that our children would not have to suffer.
Veterans Model Service
When veterans speak to a class or volunteer at an event, our children hear and see examples of what it means to serve others.
Our youth hear about men and women who, not desiring to, but willing to, die for a just cause. They learn of service members sacrificing the comforts of home, so America’s children have the freedom to enjoy those comforts.
When veterans share, they present an opportunity for understanding how the military strives to bring peace in the midst of chaos. Perhaps the veterans’ words will inspire the next generation to learn how to work together and resolve conflicts.
Veterans Exude Humbleness
The military personnel I’m personally blessed to know are humble and quiet about their service in the Armed Forces.
A WWII veteran I interviewed on several occasions once said, “I wasn’t trying to be brave. I was trying to survive.” Additionally, others have stated, “I was only doing my job.”
Veterans, I hear what you’re saying. But I think all of those who stepped away from the familiarity of their homes and into unknowable and often dangerous circumstances. I still call that brave.
Veterans Display Pride
After the JROTC marched by us at the parade, there came an even bigger surprise. It wasn’t the awesome cars or the cool motorcycles the veterans were driving.
It was the veterans’ faces that amazed me.
Their eyes gleamed with pride—not a pride in themselves—but in their country.
Some of the veterans’ grins reminded me of how a dad grins the first time he sees his child ride a bike. Eyes glistened as they saw their fellow Americans lining the streets, waving flags. Their expressions seemed to convey this thought: They get it. They love their freedom and their country as much as we do. They get it!
Veterans Show Appreciation to Others
Then, the veterans in the parade went beyond their call of duty. With outstretched hands, they expressed their appreciation to civilians by shouting,
“Thank you!”
“We thank you!”
“Thank you for coming!”
My throat tightened. They were thanking us. We, who quite often take our freedoms for granted and who can’t possibly have a full understanding of the sacrifices many have endured on our behalf.
Of course, a few veterans seemed uncomfortable with all the hoopla. Nonetheless, they came and took their place in the parade. Perhaps, some did so only to represent the veterans they once knew who gave everything for their country.
However, one veteran in the parade, would not allow any veteran he saw standing on the curb go unrecognized. Whenever he spotted a veteran’s cap among the spectators on the street, he stood and saluted them.
He didn’t maintain a serious facial expression. It was as if he couldn’t contain his joy. A broad smile accompanied each of his salutes.
Veterans Provide Kids with the Best Day Ever
After the parade, our young son, who was just beginning to understand the value of freedom and the cost of protecting it, declared it was “one of the best days, ever!”
Usually, he only says that after his birthday or a day spent at a theme park. He didn’t receive candy or a souvenir at the parade. So, perhaps the veterans impressed something in his young heart as much as they did mine.
My family may never fully grasp what veterans have sacrificed for us. But honorable veterans, we appreciate you and your service. We get it. You model respect for our country, a love for life, and a passion for liberty. Thank you for your service to our country and for what you are doing today.
Our children still need you. We all need you.
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