As I sat back and thought about what an interesting article for this month would be, the only thing that really came to mind is the thought of giving thanks.
By Robert Thomas
Every year on Nov. 11, our nation pauses to recognize and honor the men and women who have served in the United States armed forces. Veterans Day is more than a day marked on the calendar. It’s an opportunity for Americans to express our gratitude to those who have sacrificed their time, comfort and, in many cases, their lives to protect our country and the freedoms we enjoy.
Veterans come from every background and generation. Some served during times of war, while others served during times of peace. Regardless of when or where they served, veterans made a commitment to something larger than themselves. Their service represents courage, responsibility, sacrifice and dedication to our nation.
One of the most meaningful ways we can remember those who served is through the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va. The tomb honors American service members whose remains couldn’t be identified. It represents not only those unknown soldiers, but all American military members who gave their lives in service to our country.
When we look at the tomb, we should remember that behind every military uniform is a person — a son, daughter, mother, father, brother, sister, friend, neighbor or loved one.
Many veterans returned home carrying memories and experiences that shaped the rest of their lives. Others never had the opportunity to return home. Their sacrifices helped protect the rights, freedoms and opportunities that Americans often take for granted.
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier gives our nation a place to remember those whose names may be unknown but whose sacrifices will never be forgotten.
As Paralyzed Veterans of America’s (PVA) national president, this year will be my fourth time to honor those veterans at Arlington National Cemetery by laying a wreath in their remembrance. It’s my honor, as it has been for our PVA forefathers for decades.
In 1954, then-U.S. President Dwight Eisenhower established the Veterans Day National Committee, which PVA has been a part of as a congressionally chartered veterans service organization. We do our best to make sure we honor and observe veterans and their sacrifices with wreath-layings each year at all of the memorial ceremonies on Nov. 11 across Washington, D.C.
For Veterans Day, we can all show our appreciation in many simple but meaningful ways. We can thank a veteran personally, attend a Veterans Day ceremony, listen to veterans share their experiences, support veterans’ organizations or simply take a moment of silence to remember all those who served. Most importantly, we can teach younger generations why military service and sacrifice deserve our respect.
As we honor living veterans, we must also remember those who are no longer with us. We may never fully understand the sacrifices made by those who served, but we can make sure those sacrifices are remembered.
To every veteran — thank you for your courage, your commitment and your service. And to the unknown soldiers who gave everything for our nation, we remember you, we honor you and we will never forget.
November represents the time of gratitude and Thanksgiving. And I want to remind everybody as they approach the holiday themed around turkey, football and full bellies to give thanks and remember those who have sacrificed so much to give us this privilege.