Please think before you speak to a veteran on Veteran's Day. THINK!
First, it is NOT appropriate to say to a veteran: "Happy Veteran's Day".
Many veterans have been in combat, or at least have been in a war in some way supporting those in combat.
"Happy Veteran's Day"? There is nothing "happy" about war; there is nothing "happy" about seeing your buddies wounded in action (WIA), or killed in action (KIA). The repercussions of death and mayhem are disastrous, both for the "good guys" and the enemy alike! In addition, the "collateral damage" of the wounding and killing of innocent, non-combatant civilians is one of the true evils of war.
War should be the last of all alternatives to right a perceived wrong; the last alternative to defend one's homeland, or that of others who are unable to defend themselves.
Wars and rumors of wars are the consequence, the chastisement, for grievous sins against God due to our fallen -- and weakened -- human nature.
You might be able to sympathize with a veteran, but if you haven't worn the uniform, that's all you can do. You simply cannot empathize; you cannot!
In Vietnam, -- "my war" -- I saw enough, almost on a daily basis, to fight my primary enemy: FEAR.
If one can face fear, and stand fast, that's called courage, though most veterans would not consider themselves courageous. We simply did our jobs. In essence, we did not fight for a cause; that was secondary. The fact is, my brothers and I fought for each other.
So, I ask again: think before you greet a veteran on Veteran's Day. Maybe a simple: Thank you for your service?
I thank you all for remembering our vets on this special day that commemorates the sacrifices of those who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms, as well as for the freedoms of others.
Pray for all veterans, both living and dead; pray for our country, and pray, too, for peace...
Gene DeLalla
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