Veterans’ Day

November 11, 2007

On Friday my younger son’s school had a special program for Veterans’ Day. They invited all family and friends of students who were veterans and active duty military to attend. They also invited all of us, including the parents who have never been in the service.

I grew up during the Vietnam War being very worried as a young child about the draft. I remember the draft being ended, but I was also one of those eighteen-year-olds who were required to register “in case” there is another draft. This skewed my view of the military for a long time.

In the decades since, I have met and had the chance to talk extensively with people who served in the military, including career military personnel. I learned two important things from hearing their experiences.

First, most jobs in the service are not directly in the line of fire. I’ve met people who coordinated transportation, provided medical service, analyzed and decoded messages, provided maintenance for airplanes and helicopters, and provided security for our embassies. There are many kinds of jobs available in the military.

Second, for decades now, the armed forces have all been volunteers. Some people join for a chance to travel. Some join for a decent paycheck and a chance to learn a skill. Some join for help going to college. But many join for experiences they can’t get anywhere else.

A very sincere, heart-felt “thank you” to all the men and women who serve, and who have served, to be ready at a moment’s notice to protect our freedom, and the freedom of people around the world. And a special “thank you” to the families who also sacrifice when their mother and fathers, their brothers and sisters, their sons and daughters choose to serve.

Posted in Special Announcements, Zine 2: November 2007, Zines in 2007