In a lecture to the United States Naval Academy on November 24, 1997, William J. Bennett said, "Honor never grows old, and honor rejoices the heart of age. It does so because honor is, finally, about defending those noble and worthy things that deserve defending, even if it comes at a high cost. In our time, that may mean social disapproval, public scorn, hardship, persecution, or as always, even death itself. The question remains: What is worth defending? What is worth dying for? What is worth living for?"Today we celebrate a holiday that began as what was called Armistice Day. Armistice Day was a day of remembrance in honor of the armistice treaty which ended WWI. Armistice Day was incorporated as a holiday in 1919 by President Woodrow Wilson. Other countries today still recognize November 11 as Armistice Day.
It was in 1938 that Armistice Day was enacted as an official American holiday. But eventually after WWII, citizens felt that veterans of all wars should be recognized...not just those of WWI. So in 1954 Congress changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day.
Toward the end of WWII, and at the ripe old age of 17, my Dad enlisted in the U.S. Navy. I grew up hearing his stories. I heard how he was exposed to radiation when he witnessed nuclear blasts out near Bikini Island in the Pacific Ocean. I heard about how the ship he was on was nearly swallowed up in the ocean during terrible storms. I heard how he stood up for what he believed in and served his country with honor and pride.
As Ralph Waldo Emerson wrote, "What goes on around you...compares little with what goes on inside you." To those men and women who have this kind of honor, we owe a debt of gratitude. It is to those who say "Let's roll", when the stakes are high, and those who are there to defend and protect us when the wolf pounds at the door, that I say thank you from the bottom of my heart. I hope we will all take a moment and remember and give thanks to those who have served and who are currently serving our country. Happy Veterans Day!
15 comments:
Michael seems to look a lot like your dad when looking at this picture!
How did grandpa do that with his hair? That was a great post. Thanks. Happy Veterans Day to you, too.
I love that picture of Grandpa Roush. So handsome!
I'm glad you had the picture to go along with the post. It's hard to imagine what our veterans go through, but I am very grateful to them all! Happy Veterans Day!
What a wonderful tribute for all of the Veterans everywhere! And how amazing to hear first hand from your father that lived it. I tried my best yesterday to teach my kids about Veterans Day...I'm not sure they really understood. I wanted to take them to see their Great Grandfather for him to tell them his stories, but we've had major germs at our house...maybe next week:)
Very, very well said. Love the picture.
I really like all the quotes you used in that...especially the last one (the Ralph Waldo Emerson one). It's scary to think what our country would be like if it weren't for those who've sacrificed for us and our country. Good post. Love ya!
Great post and I am proud of my generation and what they did to preserve freedom!!
What a really neat post! I will always salute everyone who has ever served in the military, and who will ever serve there... What a sacrifice.
As I was heading for work last Tuesday they played "I'm proud to be an American" and I cried, which I always to when I listen to it. Thank you for sharing your Dad's story. It is always good to know what each of our generations have done to preserve our precious freedom.
And yes, he does look a lot like Michael!!
thank you for that! I'm grateful to have a heritage of honor, courage, bravery and pride. No matter how many times I see that picture of Grandpa, I am so thankful for him and the life he has lived.
Love you!
Thank you so much. I love learning about the sacrifices and experiences our veterans faced in the name of service to our great country. Happy Veterans Day.
Ha ha ha ha I'm not the only one that thinks Michael looks like Grandpa Roush! (smile) Too funny! Diane, I loved this tribute! It was Beautiful!
Amen! Also, grandpa is so cute don't you think? I am truly grateful for my freedom, and for those who are willing to give their lives to protect it.
Awesome post! Thank you to all those serving in the Armed Forces and to their families for supporting them while doing so!
Post a Comment