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The retired Army Lt. Colonel who was the commandant at the military high school I attended would tell us that the purpose of giving people off from work and school on holidays was so we would remember the significance of the day and perpetuate it. So, remember, dear readers, today is Veterans Day, not Memorial Day. Too often the days are considered synonymous (see Military.com). While we should always keep in our prayers, especially after recent events, those who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country, and their families and friends who bare an unthinkable emptiness in their lives, let’s remember today is the day to thank all those who served and returned.

For many, however, coming home didn’t mean instant joy. Whether through an unspeakable stress, severe physical injury or a prejudice of an ungrateful people, our veterans have carried a burden beyond the battlefield. Let’s be sure to thank them today, and all days, for their selflessness, while still keeping those who committed the ultimate sacrifice in our prayers. Then, maybe, we’ll learn to keep certain holidays for the intentions of which they were meant.

So, Happy Veterans Day to all those who proudly wore the uniform of our great nation. To those who bravely served, and still bravely serve, their fellow Americans in defense of our country and freedom around the world, we proudly offer you our thoughts, prayers and heartfelt and sincerest thanks. To those who served or still serve as Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, Air Men, Reservists, and in the Coast Guard and National Guard, we offer a salute to your heroism and service to our country and freedoms.

Click here for a slide show tribute to our vets.

Click here to learn more about the holiday and how we can thank them.

We Stood For Freedom
Roger J. Robicheau
Former U.S. Army Specialist Fifth Class

We stood for freedom just like you
And loved the flag you cherish too
Our uniforms felt great to wear
You know the feel, and how you care.

In step we marched, the cadence way
The same is true with you today
Oh how we tried to do our best
As you do now, from test to test
How young we were and proud to be
Defenders of true liberty.

So many thoughts bind soldiers well
The facts may change, not how we jell
Each soldier past, and you now here
Do share what will not disappear
One thought now comes, straight from my heart
For soldiers home, who’ve done their part.

I’m honored to have served with you
May Godly peace, help get you through
And now I’ll end with a request
Do ponder this, while home at rest
America, respect our day
Each veteran, helped freedom stay.

©2002 Roger J. Robicheau/TheHolidayZone.com 

From our friends The Lee Brothers (Scott and Richard), hosts of Richmond radio station 1140-AM/WRVA’s ratings busting Saturday Mornings With The Lee Brothers, comes this:

The brothers, who also serve as prime guest hosts for afternoon talker Doc Thompson, will fill in for him on December 23 for their annual Christmas Wishes From Home show, from 3:00-6:00 p.m.

This segment is for families and friends who want to wish our military personnel a Merry Christmas on live radio. The show also will be posted at their site as well as at the WRVA site so that members of our armed forces (and anyone else) can listen at their conveniecne. You can also listen in real time as WRVA streams live.

The pair will read e-mails and letters on the air during the show. For those who can’t call in, you can e-mail them at patriots@theleebrothers.com.

Spread the word by forwarding this link to any friends and family anywhere in Virginia or elsewhere who you know have loved ones deployed overseas. For more information, check out The Lee Brothers Blog.

This is a special time of year for everyone. However, some among us are offering the highest form of valor, selflessness and sacrifice. It’s always easy to forget about them this time of year, as we get caught up in the season’s festivities and our own concerns, both light and heavy. It’s easy to think others will pick up the slack. But let us always remember to keep in mind and prayer those who defend us, at great cost to themselves, for love of country.

There is not a better time to show our troops, Marines, sailors and airmen that we are thinking of them during this special and holy Christmas season.