Veterans Day

Tomorrow is Veterans Day, formerly known as Armistice Day. A day that came into existence by a proclamation from President Wilson in 1919 and became law in May 1938.

President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: “To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…”

There’s something to be said about a uniform. When you step into your first set of BDUs (Battle Dress Uniform) — the feel and weight of the fabric. It’s like pulling on a new person.

It makes you stand taller, it makes you feel confident in everything you do, it makes you proud.

No matter when you stepped into your first uniform, regardless of branch, regardless of rank, you are forever changed. You are forever a member of a unique family.

I served along side other patriotic souls as we served our country. I’ve been stationed in several countries world wide, in times of peace and in times of war. It wasn’t always easy to serve, it wasn’t always easy to follow orders, but I like to think I went above and beyond the call of duty to complete the objectives as given to me.

  Rist, Richard (Hollywood, FL) 1-31

 

When I was in the service it wasn’t as recognized by civilians as it is today. Now people thank those in uniform for their service. I always smile and stand a little taller, when I hear someone thanking a person in uniform as I walk through the airport. I am  proud that 11/11 is recognized wide and far.

Once you raise your hand and take the oath, once you go through the training, once you don your first set of BDU’s and step out onto foreign soil, you are part of a

family forever more. I am honor to be part of that family — I am proud to have served my country and defended our freedom.

I am humbled and speechless to my brothers and sisters who never returned from battle. For the families that paid the ultimate sacrifice  to defend my country.

Thank you to all that have served, to all that are serving, and to all who will serve.

Aim High!!

Two US Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons conducting tactical training exercises. (Department of Defense/Jacob N. Bailey, US Air Force)

Two US Air Force F-16C Fighting Falcons conducting tactical training exercises. (Department of Defense/Jacob N. Bailey, US Air Force)

 

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