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| Grampa was in the Army Air Force in WWII. |
November 11, or what has come to be known as Veterans Day, was originally set as a U.S. legal holiday to honor Armistice Day—the end of World War I, which officially took place on November 11, 1918. In legislature that was passed in 1938, November 11 was "dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be hereafter celebrated and known as 'Armistice Day.' You know this kitteh is down with anything having to do with peace. As such, this new legal holiday honored World War I veterans.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
We've always thought that the best way to honor our Veterans is by making sure they come home to good jobs, adequate housing and proper medical care. They deserve those things. Our Veteran Day posts have been too political in the past for some of TW's friends so this year we decided to play it safe and post something we read in—cough cough, choke choke—Dear Abby. Neither TW or I ever read Dear Abby—we prefer Dear Sparkle—but it was positioned right next to the crossword puzzle TW was trying to do and caught her attention. There's some good advices here.
DEAR ABBY: As Veterans Day approaches, may I share a few guidelines that can be helpful when interacting with veterans or service members?
1. It is never OK to ask a veteran if he or she has killed someone or to joke about it. If we have, we can't even talk about it with our spouses, much less a stranger.
4. Many of us now have PTSD. If you see us acting anxious or moving away from crowds, turning our backs to the wall or fidgeting, simple kindness or a little distraction will be appreciated. Talk to us about something interesting and give us some breathing room.
5. Please remember that 15 percent of those who serve in the military are women, and some have been in combat. It's better to ask, "Are you a veteran?" rather than, "Was your husband a soldier?"
6. As with any person who has a disability, please do not stare at us. We can be sensitive about our scars or injuries and would prefer not to be asked to relive a difficult experience by being quizzed about what happened. Please also understand that injuries today are very different than in the past and are often not visible. It is not war OK to tell someone they "don't look disabled" or appear to need help. Those of us with disabilities appreciate light conversation and assistance if we look like we are in need.
DEAR AMANDA C.: Thank you for your service. And thank you, too, for your helpful suggestions, which are sure to be appreciated not only by civilians, but also by active and retired members of our military.
Readers, as the war in Afghanistan winds down, many thousands of service members are returning home and entering the job market. Please, if possible, honor their courage, dedication and sacrifice by doing your part and providing them with employment. Considering what they have done for us, it is the least we can do to show our appreciation.
In 1954, after having been through both World War II and the Korean War, the 83rd U.S. Congress, at the urging of the veterans service organizations, amended the Act of 1938 by striking out the word "Armistice" and inserting the word "Veterans." With the approval of this legislation on June 1, 1954, November 11 became a day to honor American veterans of all wars.
We've always thought that the best way to honor our Veterans is by making sure they come home to good jobs, adequate housing and proper medical care. They deserve those things. Our Veteran Day posts have been too political in the past for some of TW's friends so this year we decided to play it safe and post something we read in—cough cough, choke choke—Dear Abby. Neither TW or I ever read Dear Abby—we prefer Dear Sparkle—but it was positioned right next to the crossword puzzle TW was trying to do and caught her attention. There's some good advices here.
DEAR ABBY: As Veterans Day approaches, may I share a few guidelines that can be helpful when interacting with veterans or service members?
1. It is never OK to ask a veteran if he or she has killed someone or to joke about it. If we have, we can't even talk about it with our spouses, much less a stranger.
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| A foto bomb from the same foto shoot as above |
2. When you thank us for our service or pay for our meal, it is really appreciated. We also appreciate packages and notes. TW always thanks any person in uniform she see in the streets or subway and they do appreciate it.
3. Please don't tell us that wars are a waste of dollars or lives or were fought for oil. What we hear is that, in your opinion, our best friend died for nothing. We know many people disagree with war, but it's better to keep your opinions to yourself.
4. Many of us now have PTSD. If you see us acting anxious or moving away from crowds, turning our backs to the wall or fidgeting, simple kindness or a little distraction will be appreciated. Talk to us about something interesting and give us some breathing room.
5. Please remember that 15 percent of those who serve in the military are women, and some have been in combat. It's better to ask, "Are you a veteran?" rather than, "Was your husband a soldier?"
6. As with any person who has a disability, please do not stare at us. We can be sensitive about our scars or injuries and would prefer not to be asked to relive a difficult experience by being quizzed about what happened. Please also understand that injuries today are very different than in the past and are often not visible. It is not war OK to tell someone they "don't look disabled" or appear to need help. Those of us with disabilities appreciate light conversation and assistance if we look like we are in need.
It was my pleasure to serve our country. -- AMANDA C., U.S. ARMY DISABLED VETERAN
DEAR AMANDA C.: Thank you for your service. And thank you, too, for your helpful suggestions, which are sure to be appreciated not only by civilians, but also by active and retired members of our military.
Readers, as the war in Afghanistan winds down, many thousands of service members are returning home and entering the job market. Please, if possible, honor their courage, dedication and sacrifice by doing your part and providing them with employment. Considering what they have done for us, it is the least we can do to show our appreciation.
There's a really good article over at the Pet For Patriots blog about Military Working Dog Adoptions.
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| All this thinking has made me tired. Time for an Easy Like Sunday snooze. |
We love all of our heros and are thankful for each and every one!
ReplyDeleteIt is our Remembrance/Poppy day here too and we take time out to say thank you to all of those who gave and still give. We are free because of them. Have a super Sunday.
ReplyDeleteBest wishes Molly
"We've always thought that the best way to honor our Veterans is by making sure they come home to good jobs, adequate housing and proper medical care. " is not true too many spat upon soldiers after vietnam they should be ashamed. The rest of us appreciate our Veterans. Than you for my FREEDOM, than you.
ReplyDeleteDear Abby is not to be underrated...
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful letter. Thank you so much for sharing it with us today, CK.
We always try to thank the women and men in uniform for their service. And when we're with Gabe and someone thanks him, it makes us even more proud.
Remembering today and everyday,
Katie & Glogirly
This is the best blog ever, hands down. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteThat is a good Dear Abby, CK. Thanks for posting it.
ReplyDeleteAwesome tribute to our heroes, CK. We, too, are so thankful for them, and for the incredible sacrifices they make for us all.
ReplyDeleteThat was such a great post. We sure do appreciate all the veterans. Hope you are having a super Sunday.
ReplyDeleteGreat post friend. We are always respectful of veterans. I do think you brought up some very good points however, We need constant reminders.
ReplyDeleteHappy Veteran's Day! Our Pop is a vet so he gets lots of extra cuddles today.
ReplyDeleteThis was a great letter. Mommy says one of the most memorable flights she's ever had was when she was seated next to a young man home on leave from the army...she was deeply impressed by his patriotism.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post for Veterans Day, CK...and thanks for sharing Dear Abby's letter. Our veterans are true heroes...we must never forget that!
ReplyDeleteThe Human's Dad was a Marine Corps captain in WWII. He served 3+ years in the South Pacific and then was sent to occupy Japan; he was stationed in Nagasaki where the 2nd bomb had been dropped not long before. He was a great man, and although he died many years ago now, the Human thinks of him often and honors him especially on this day.
ReplyDeleteThis is a wonderful post, CK.
Brilliant post CK! It is called Remembrance Day here and we honour all who have fought for our freedom in the "big" wars and in all conflicts xx
ReplyDeleteCK! Wowwie! What a great post!
ReplyDelete"Our hopes are high. Our faith in the people is great. Our courage is strong. And our dreams for peace will never die."
These word came from Mommy's Grampa who was in WWI.
Kisses
Nellie
What a lovely post. My only surviving great uncle was a medic and was taken prisoner by the Germans in the Vosges Mountains in France. He endured a 14 day death march, too. I salute all our veterans.
ReplyDeleteHappy Veterans Day and Happy Easy Sunday to you.
ReplyDeleteI think it is very sad that the U.S. has a history of forgetting its veterans in so many ways once they return to civilian life. Veterans Day should be every day, no matter how any of us feel about the validity of any wars they were sent to.
ReplyDeleteThat was the best thing to read and think about for Veterans Day yet! Dear Abby, that was some Very Good Advice!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Keisha, for putting it on your blog.
And thank YOU, all you veterans out there!