Proud to be an American

Today is Veteran’s Day – a day to remember those we’ve lost, celebrate what we have and honor tradition. When I was a little kid, I loved Veteran’s Day. Not because I knew what it meant, but because I had the day off from school and usually got to watch some kind of a parade. I actually remember celebrating the holiday in fourth grade by getting my ears pierced! While I don’t quite celebrate with an 11/11 piercing, the holiday still holds a special place in my heart for many different reasons. 

Now that I’m older and know how lucky I am to live here, Veteran’s Day is a whole new thing. I have such an appreciation for the courage and fight our military carries each and every day. As I am sure most of you do, I know a lot of people that have served in the military or are still serving. I have had three friends serve a tour in Iraq, two that have in Afghanistan, one stationed in Japan and one currently attending The Citadel. Both of my grandfathers were also proud members of the Navy (maybe that’s why I love NCIS so much.) I’ve sent care packages, heard horror stories and seen the change in the post-war individual. That being said, today I can’t help but think about my friends, about the people still serving overseas or those who have sacrificed their lives for the greater good. I’ll go about my usual business, but those aforementioned American heroes will surely be in the back of my mind.

In case you’re wondering a little bit about where Veteran’s Day came from … It marks the end of World War I in which all fighting ended at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month. The following year in 1919, President Wilson declared it Armistice Day with the following words, "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

For the past few years, I have really enjoyed my drive through Deering Oaks Park in Portland, ME on Veteran’s Day. The city fills the park with hundreds of American flags representing thousands of men and women that have proudly served our country. It is truly beautiful and I find it to be very moving. Here’s a picture from last year:

Whether you celebrate it or not, get to see a parade or enjoy the day off, most importantly, be sure to remember how lucky you are to have veterans like this: