Veterans Day is the forgotten holiday. We recognize it more by the department store sales than as the day of commemoration it was meant to be. It is acknowledged by family members of veterans and ceremonially by government officials, but collectively, as a society, little is done to honor our country’s servicemen on Veterans Day. Failing to realize the historical significance of November 11th, each year we ask ourselves “When is Veterans Day, again? Is it in October or November?” We plan the extra day we’ll have to run errands, go shopping, or stay at home and veg. But few, who do not have a family member that has served, get out and thank our veterans. Not all are indifferent to the holiday’s intention; some want to recognize the day, but don’t know how. How do we meaningfully support our veterans? on November 11th or any other day of the year? We can feel grateful but that feeling has to be expressed in action for it to take affect. Meaningful appreciation requires the donation of time and resources. It requires we give back to those that sacrificed so much for us. Getting out and showing our support on what we’ve come to know as a holiday may not be an idea that’s readily embraced, but on every other holiday, when we were sleeping in and having family get-togethers, they were out there standing guard.
For more information on giving back, visit http://reconnectamerica.com/giveback/
2 comments:
I was reminded yesterday that November 11th also happens to be my native country's independence day. Your post made me realize, that I, too, was not celebrating my nation's veterans and revolutionaries as perhaps I should. You posted a website that gave an outlet to give action to appreciation of America's vets, but I am afraid I still don't have an outlet to honor my country when I am across the sea. Perhaps I should be more active in looking. For now, I am limited to my thoughts counting towards honoring my Poland but your post may become my call to action.
Ooooooh!! Veterans' Day! I just noticed that there was no mail, no trash pick-up, and no alternate side parking but I couldn't figure out why. Definitely a forgotten holiday.
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