Herb’s Blog, Herbdate 22924 – 1011
Here’s the haps:
When I realized that this would be the one-thousandth post I have done on the blog I had an idea of picking a few of my favorites and doing something with them. Kind of a funtastic free-for-all.
Then I realized it would post on Veterans Day this year and decided there was something more important, so I originally set it to post at the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month but changed my mind and decided to post it now, instead. I’ve tried to put my feelings into some kind of arranged order. Veterans Day in the United States celebrates any person who has served in the armed forces, living or dead, whether they served in war or peace. Everyone who serves makes some sacrifice but there are those who make the ultimate sacrifice. They leave their previous lives and sometimes never have a future life. When I think of the young (19 years old) private, posthumously promoted to specialist, throwing himself on a hand grenade to save his buddies; when I think about my own buddy who has a permanent brain injury and neurological damage from an IED; the tears in my dad’s eyes and emotion in his voice whenever he spoke of his favorite brother who was killed in an attack that remained covered up by the government until 50 years later; the list could go on for seemingly ever but it becomes painfully clear that there are different levels of sacrifice and the sometimes almost cliche sounding phrase, “All gave some but some gave all,” is based in stark truth.
I searched and looked for just the right words to say. I watched Youtube after Youtube, trying to find one that expressed my feelings but nothing said what I wanted. I feel somber and solemn and respectful; grateful to all who have served and to all who gave all. Yes, I served in the United States Army for three years and received an honorable discharge and good conduct ribbon, which was my goal and yes, my family sacrificed and suffered plenty. But there are others…the others to whom I owe a debt I can never repay except to say, “thank you.”
Comments
20 responses to “Veterans Day”
Kudos. Excellent post I will share. I love the old man with the shadow of the warrior–how we all feel, innit, that what’s inside doesn’t match what’s outside.
I really do love that picture and I don’t remember where I got it originally. You’re probably right about why we like it so much.
Sorry to hear about your Dad’s favorite brother. It is very difficult to get over a death, especially someone who was so beloved…
Thank you. It was hard for him all of his life.
https://pacificparatrooper.files.wordpress.com/2020/06/flag-2.gif
Thank you!
Happy Veterans Day!! Doing a post to honor the heroes is admirable and an honorable thing to do. Blessings.
Thank you so much!
Yes to the substance and shadow
It really is one of my faves!
I think being lost for words on Veterans Day (Remembrance Day) is not a bad thing. The silence is respect for the horrors that many of us are fortunate enough not to know. We did not watch the ceremonies live this year, but did stop what we were doing at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month to pay our silent respect. Thanks for your post Herb. We all must remember, even if the memories do not belong to us. Allan
Yes sir, thank you for your comment.
Thank you for your service.
Yes, sir, you’re welcome.
Some cast very large shadows indeed!
Very true.
Thank you for your service, and your blog!
Yes sir, you’re welcome.
An excellent take on Veterans Day. You and all who serve are worthy of respect and admiration.
Thank you so much.