As I was thinking about what to write this Veterans Day, I looked back at an article I wrote almost 10 years ago. The piece was titled “Thanking Veterans on Veterans Day”. In the article, I described an encounter in Bend, Oregon during which I was wearing a Vietnam veteran hat much like the soldier in the Fehrenbacher cartoon above. In the case in Oregon, I was approached by a woman who wanted to thank me for my service, however, the situation seemed a bit awkward, even scripted, for me at least. Again, what to say to a veteran?
My ultimate suggestion to the readers, to avoid awkwardness on either side, was “If you think the service of any veteran was worthwhile …and actually helped to protect the freedoms we all enjoy, tell [the veteran]...”
- That you participate as a citizen in government at some level
- That you write to your representatives on issues of importance to you
- That you discuss politics and government with your family at the dinner table
- That you expose your children to the process of government at city or county council meetings
- That you take your family to visit the state capital or our nation's capital to learn it workings
- That you insure that civics and government is taught in our schools
- That you take your children to historic sites and explain their significance
- That you value the teaching of history and critical thinking skills
- That you demand our nation care for the men and women it has sent to war
- That you vote and, moreover, that you vote for men and women of peace
So again, my call goes out to all citizens to demonstrate patriotism by engaging in the activities listed above. Thank veterans and validate their service by participating. Fly the U.S. flag, if you wish, but it is by deeds that the sacrifice of veterans is made meaningful.
Comments by Readers
David Moody
Nov 04, 2024Well done Dick Conoboy. Thank you for your service David Moody USCG 1967 to 1971
Carol Follett
Nov 10, 2024Thank you for this helpful, informative article, Dick. When I was young, I protested the war in Vietnam. I was frequently told that those boys were dying for my right to speak and protest. I knew that my uncles fight in WWII for the same reason and we thought that is why we were called the “free world.” Who will protect our freedoms now that we have a white male going into the office declaring he will be a dictator, hating women and people of colour, and most critically, following the dictators handbook by targeting a specific group first, i.e. immigrants?