Guilty but thankful on Veterans Day
I’m guilty because I missed an opportunity to fight for something bigger than myself. I missed the opportunity to stand side by side with patriots and serve in the United States Armed Forces.
‘A rmistice Day,” later renamed Veterans Day, originated on Nov. 11, 1919, and commemorated the first anniversary of the end of World War I. On this date each year Americans are encouraged to commit themselves to the cause of freedom and to honor the nation’s veterans for their courage, patriotism, valor and sacrifice. Our brave military men and women who serve and protect the United States come from all walks of life; they are parents, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors and co-workers; they are teachers, managers, construction workers, bartenders, barbers, cooks, and nurses.
Some reside in your neighborhood, others live in seaside mansions, while all too many rest their heads on a make-shift pillow in a cardboard box under a big-city bridge. Some may have settled in the cubicles next to you at your office, sitting in silence, never sharing a single detail of dozens of deadly firefights and never once brandishing their Army Ranger tattoo or sharing a description of personal heroism. Each veteran has a different distinct story, but all share an unspoken-unbroken brotherhood or, increasingly, sisterhood. It is a direct connection that can only be common between those who’ve served.
Monday morning, I went to work with an empty feeling eating away at my insides, an uncomfortable aching sensation haunting my subconscious. I can best describe it as the bitter feeling of underachievement; my personal reaction to my own failure. A clear and present personality flaw composed of a gritty mixture of envy, of guilt and of regret.
I’m guilty because I missed an opportunity to fight for something bigger than myself. I missed the opportunity to stand side by side with patriots and serve in the United States Armed Forces. Individuals who serve in the military and particularly in a combat theater have forged a connection that only they completely understand. It’s something that cannot be reproduced or replicated in the civilian world. Just seat a few veterans from any era together in a room, as I did in my studio on Monday, and watch the magic happen.
If you are a regular listener to my radio program, you know that on almost every recognized military holiday we attempt to honor the soldiers who fought for this nation’s freedoms by doing a broadcast focusing solely on veterans. We do so on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and any other historic military anniversary.
Imagine young Afghanistan war vets, normally too modest or uneasy to share a story about a heroic night in a remote outpost, opening up and boasting to a Vietnam staff sergeant 30 years their senior, who just so happened to lead a brigade of the 101st Airborne Division up to the top of Hill 937 — Hamburger Hill. Stories of conquest and horror, tragedy and loss rattled the room and echoed over the radio airways. Vivid examples of being shot and forging forward or heartbreaking accounts of best friends struggling in their final moments of life. War stories from the men and women who gave this country everything.
There is a speech from Shakespeare’s “Henry V” that best quantifies the military mentality. The scene centers around a broken and outnumbered army on the eve of battle with despondent soldiers contemplating their inevitable demise. The underdog warriors receive a pep talk from the king that includes a rousing finale: “From this day to the ending of the world, we in it shall be remember’d. We few, we happy few, we band of brothers. For he to-day that sheds his blood with me shall be my brother.” Standing with a band of brothers for a cause greater than yourself is remarkably powerful.
I often jump on my soapbox and preach about patriotism, freedom and sacrifice. I believe what I say and mean every syllable with all my heart, but sometimes the words ring a little hollow. I didn’t serve. I talk the talk, but it’s the men and the women who laced up the boots, strapped on their helmets and went to war who walked the walk.
Thank you, veterans. We owe you a debt that can never truly be paid.
Lee Elci is the morning host for 94.9 News Now radio, a station that provides “Stimulating Talk” with a conservative bent.