The profound power of saluting a veteran

The simple act of offering a salute to a military veteran is, appropriately, uncompromised in this era of social distancing. Yes, most parades and public gatherings to mark Veterans Day Nov. 11 have been canceled. That does not diminish the need for Americans to pause and contemplate the contributions of veterans living and dead.

It is not by design that this day arrives on the calendar in the wake of Election Day. This Nov. 11 marks the 102nd anniversary of the end of World War I. But it always seems fitting that Election Day, the annual autumnal demonstration of American democracy and divisiveness, is followed by this day of unity.

President Abraham Lincoln faced the unenviable challenge of trying to unite the blue and gray, and to set a tone for Reconstruction as he framed his second inaugural address in March 1865. It was then that he made his timeless plea “to bind up the nation’s wounds.”

President Donald Trump summoned similar words after his own election four years ago, as the nation bore similar, though less visible, scars.

Shades of the red and the blue are paralyzed in a civil war of their own. America remains a grand, unfinished experiment, though progress continues to be made in these fractious days. Kamala Harris smashed several ceilings as the first women, first Black and first South Asian elected to become vice president of the United States.

Our veterans did not serve red or blue. Veterans Day is an opportunity to measure what we have been, what we are and what we have the possibility to become as a nation.

One of our nation’s most famous soldiers helped shape the meaning of this day. It was Armistice Day until President Dwight Eisenhower, a former U.S Army general, changed the name to honor veterans.

Back in 1971, during the administration of President Richard Nixon, the holiday was briefly relocated to the fourth Monday in October to create a three-day holiday weekend. Thankfully, President Gerald Ford corrected that ill-conceived plan.

Veterans, of course, deserve our respect on every day on the calendar. They heeded a call to duty knowing it could put them in harm’s way. Their successors are poised to protect our nation against unfortunate threats that arise with every generation.

Thanking them is the one thing we must agree on. Some who served are now among the most vulnerable population during the COVID-19 pandemic.

There are many ways to express gratitude. Members of the new Connecticut General Assembly must be steadfast in shielding the rights and benefits for veterans, to consider battling the scourge of homelessness.

Retailers might consider creating discount programs for veterans. Educators could consider hosting them as guest speakers, even if it’s virtually.

For everyone else, a simple salute of a friend, family member or colleague who served the nation might just be enough. It’s free, it’s powerful and it reliably brings us together, even when we’re apart.

Our veterans did not serve red or blue. Veterans Day is an opportunity to measure what we have been, what we are and what we have to possibility to become as a nation.