My Commentary

“Have you hugged or thanked a veteran today?”

I am constantly reminded of how thankful I am for the abundance we have in this great nation. I realize most Americans know, appreciate and realize the sacrifices that our nation’s veterans have endured in the name of liberty.

Veterans throughout our nation history have answered that call because they believed in something other than themselves. They believed that our freedom and liberty are worth fighting for, and dying for if need be and that beacon of light and hope shines today.

Times have certainly changed. Modern technology has eased the way in which our nation conducts business and the way our lives have been enriched by the blessings of a free and prosperous nation. In generations past, those men and women who fought to form a more perfect union believed in the ideals of a free people and a prosperous nation. Those Americans fighting in the trenches of France believed with a fervent heart that freedom belongs to each man and tongue as well. Those in the Ardennes and on Guadalcanal knew that nothing is more important than preserving liberty and defeating oppression. And those who fought in Korea, Vietnam and Desert Storm, realized the threats that existed yesterday will be prevalent tomorrow as well. And all understood, as do our Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, that nothing is more precious than preserving freedom today and ensuring the hope of liberty for tomorrow.

Our veterans have come from all walks of life and backgrounds. When they answered the call to service; some were immigrants, some were farmers, and many were just your ordinary men and women, who, by the events set before them, were turned into extraordinary men and women. They came from Cleveland to Seattle and Tampa to Los Angeles. Our nation is the better because of them.

In today's day and age, it is increasingly rare to find volunteers who are willing to temporarily give up comforts or careers, for a diet of MREs (Meals Ready to Eat) and that world famous military chow. I am reminded of greatness by sports greats and politicians who put aside those comforts and careers to serve. And by doing so, they became heroes.

Back then they were not called politicians, they were called servants and for good reason. Presidents Eisenhower, John F. Kennedy, Nixon, George H. W. Bush, Senators Bob Dole, John McCain and Ronald Reagan, showed the light of Liberty and the glory of service.

There have been many that have asked me how I can honor those who have served? There are many simple ways to give honor. You can honor a Veteran whom you know by simply taking a minute to make a phone call, and just say thank you for your service. My grandchildren do this without fail. You could volunteer to place a few Flags on a Veterans grave. You can also, during a walk in your neighborhood where there is a Veterans Memorial, pick up trash that has littered the area. You could take a few moments to visit a Veteran in one of our many VA hospitals across the nation. And In doing so, you will bring tears to their eyes and joy to their heart.

And another important thing we can do is to check the condition of our United States flag which you proudly fly on your front porch. Make sure it is in good condition, not battered and torn as I so often see as I drive down streets. Something else I do is I enjoy shopping in thrift shops (Goodwill, Salvation Army, etc) and when I see a US Flag on display for sale and it is soiled, tattered or displayed incorrectly I bring it to the attention of the store manager and ask that it be removed from sale if it is tattered or torn and provide them with the telephone number of the American Legion or VFW so it can be properly retired, or ask that the flag be displayed behind a counter so the flag can be properly displayed and not be trampled on by customers and thank them for understanding your concern. The flag that conveys the dreams, ideals and hopes of those who have died that served and those still preserving freedom and the blessings of liberty.

I am in awe of the power of freedom in every heart and every tongue, to instill hope not just for Americans, but for the world. And may we all point to Liberty's Light as she shines upon the path of those who yearn for freedom and for those who reach for her. Goodbye for now! Have a great day and be safe! Thank a veteran and keep all veterans and America in your prayers.

John W Savage
US Army, Retired

“Have you hugged or thanked a veteran today?”

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