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November 10, 2019: Worth Fighting For

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude

.”Harry S. Truman


When I am  looking for inspiration for my writing, the topic is usually driven by events happening around me.  This week’s federal holiday activated my curiosity about the origins and meaning of Veteran’s Day.

I was surprised to discover that tomorrow, November 11, 2019 is the 100th anniversary of the original Veteran’s  Day.  Originally  designated as “Armistice Day”on Nov 11, 1919, it marked the first year anniversary of the end of World War 1.  In 1926, Congress passed a resolution to ensure it was an annual event, and in 1938 it became a national holiday.

Since the end of World War 1, Americans soldiers have fought in six more wars: World War 11, Korean War, Vietnam War, Persian Gulf War, Afghanistan War and the Iraq War.  Today our armed services are deployed in more than 150 countries around the world, with over 170,000 of its active-duty personnel serving outside the United States and its territories.  The sacrifices they and their families make to support our country is inestimable. 

While writing this week, I searched for quotes for Veteran’s Day A  powerful one by LTC Rob Waldman led to deep reflection..

“If you truly want to thank a soldier, be an American worth fighting for.”

LTC Rob Waldman

Our country has been called a “melting pot” reflecting the diversity of its population, from the Native Americans to the immigrants who since the 1500’s have brought in rich heritages of art, food, music, trades and so much more.

Yet, in modern society’s turbulent times, our tolerance for diversity is challenged daily.  Political, religious and philosophical beliefs have divided our country into either/ors, red/blue,  conservatives/liberals, etc where hostility is a common occurrence on the daily news,

So how can we be American’s worth fighting for?

I believe the first step is to show respect for others.  I have my own strong political beliefs, and struggle at times with the actions , beliefs and sentiments of others.  But Veteran’s Day reminds me that one of the freedoms our veterans have fought valiantly for, is the freedom of speech. 

Whether or not we agree with someone is not the issue, it’s respecting their right to have and express an opinion.  It’s refraining from labeling and judging, and instead honoring the humanity in each one of us. 

I am thankful for the men and women who have fought for our rights to be free, and want to be an American worth fighting for.

What does being an American worth fighting for mean to you?

Quotes to Reflect Upon

“Freedom makes a huge requirement of every human being. With freedom comes responsibility.”’’

Eleanor Roosevelt

How important it is for us to recognize and celebrate our heroes and she-roes!

Maya Angelou

“Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.”

Harry S. Truman

“A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.”

Bob Dylan

“This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.”

Elmer Davis



“My heroes are those who risk their lives every day to protect our world and make it a better place — police, firefighters, and members of our armed forces.”

Sidney Sheldon

America’s Veterans have served their country with the belief that democracy and freedom are ideals to be upheld around the world.

-John Doolittle

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.

John F. Kennedy

Honoring the sacrifices many have made for our country in the name of freedom and democracy is the very foundation of Veterans Day.

-Charles B. Rangel

Never was so much owed by so many to so few

–Winston Churchill

We often take for granted the very things that most deserve our gratitude.

– Cynthia Ozick

“As we search for ways to come together…some of our best examples are the men and women we salute on Veterans Day,”“Whenever the world makes you cynical; whenever you seek true humility, and true selflessness—look to a veteran.”

Barack Obama




Barack Obama

Comments

  • Liz
    November 11, 2019

    Americans worth fighting for are those who put kindness first – those whose kind deeds speak louder than any self righteous platitudes we utter. As we honor those who served today, we should remember that our ability to do good today derives from the sacrifices of those who came before us.

    reply

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