Firefly
2011-11-11, 11:40 AM
I posted this on BWC forums because of the large amount of veterans in my outfit. I know there are a number of them here and despite my tendency to be a huge asshole there's one thing I truly respect without question, and that's honourable service in the military. So I'm modifying it and copying it over here because the sentiment is the same.
Today is Veterans Day. As many of you should know, PSU has a decent percentage of active duty and prior service in the ranks. There are far too many for me to even detail but they've identified themselves or kept incognito. Regardless, this is for them.
I disagree, personally, with using the words "Happy Veterans Day". I feel that because so many of our generation has seen conflict in Iraq or Afghanistan or even both, that there's nothing happy about today. Today is a somber and solemn day where those of us who have fought overseas will more than likely end up reflecting on those among our friends who didn't come home, or who came back different. The nations of the free world and their volunteer armies may not always say it and may even try to deny it, but they would not be free without your sacrifices, without the vigil that you kept. We shared a small part of our lives, as did the millions before us and the millions to follow, in the service of our countries. We may not have been thanked by all, but all have what they have today because of us and those like us. Many gave their lives doing this. So no, I cannot in good conscience say that this is a happy day. If you choose to do so, that is on you.
So instead, I wish to simply say to all my brethren: Thank you.
Today is Veterans Day. As many of you should know, PSU has a decent percentage of active duty and prior service in the ranks. There are far too many for me to even detail but they've identified themselves or kept incognito. Regardless, this is for them.
I disagree, personally, with using the words "Happy Veterans Day". I feel that because so many of our generation has seen conflict in Iraq or Afghanistan or even both, that there's nothing happy about today. Today is a somber and solemn day where those of us who have fought overseas will more than likely end up reflecting on those among our friends who didn't come home, or who came back different. The nations of the free world and their volunteer armies may not always say it and may even try to deny it, but they would not be free without your sacrifices, without the vigil that you kept. We shared a small part of our lives, as did the millions before us and the millions to follow, in the service of our countries. We may not have been thanked by all, but all have what they have today because of us and those like us. Many gave their lives doing this. So no, I cannot in good conscience say that this is a happy day. If you choose to do so, that is on you.
So instead, I wish to simply say to all my brethren: Thank you.