We normally think in terms of military service when we hear the word veteran, which is right and honorable to acknowledge, however, there is a broader application as well.
veterans (plural noun)
- a person who has had long experience in a particular field:
I am a veteran of military service, and a veteran of the Vietnam War having been there in ’66 and ’67. Until about 12 years ago, I would never admit that I had been in Vietnam as it was a very unpopular war, and those who were there and returned were not heroes in the eyes of most Americans.
Some years after 9-11, people began to think differently about us Vietnam Vets. We are treated with more respect and gratitude. I am humbly grateful for that change in attitude. Thinks connected to the Vietnam US build up, are being revealed to have been enacted deceitfully. Our government leaders lied to congress and the American people to become more involved in a long-time war and at a heavy cost to America and their families; at least 58,000 died for what they believed were honorable reasons. All those lives matter! They all were and are heroes!
Tomorrow, November 11th, we honor all surviving veterans of all military services and those who served in acts of war. Every now and then, we hear of a living WWII veteran. Wow! I was in a meeting this week with a 90-year-old Korean War veteran. What a feeling.
Veterans of military action are very special people, and deserve honor, they sacrificed much to serve their nation; some of which are still suffering the effects of war. I have noted though, that it seems as though the ones who truly appreciate veterans are the openly patriotic citizens; those that really love America.
To all my fellow brother and sister veterans, thank you for your service to God and country! Happy Veteran’s Day 2023!