by, Norman Halls, contributor
11 November, 2017 will be “Veterans Day.” It has become more apparent that we need to call it “Veterans and Fallen Soldiers Day” because of the conflicts the United States has been for the last 14 years. This modern day Middle East war is not the same as WWI and WWII. World War I & II there was a beginning and an end. During a war men lay plans for victory. On the ground and in the air, they advanced forward to beat the enemy. In the pass 14 years the adversary has used tactics that are not in any military handbook. These tactics have caused many military personnel their lives and mayhem living in society and their family.
The United States Congress adopted a resolution on June 4, 1926, requesting that President Calvin Coolidge issue annual proclamations calling for the observance of November 11 with appropriate ceremonies. A Congressional Act (52 Stat. 351; 5 U.S. Code, Sec. 87a) approved May 13, 1938, made the 11th of November in each year a legal holiday: “a day to be dedicated to the cause of world peace and to be thereafter celebrated and known as ‘Armistice Day’.” Congress amended the bill on June 1, 1954, replacing “Armistice” with “Veterans,” and it has been known as Veterans Day since. It coincides with other holidays, including Armistice Day and Remembrance Day, celebrated in other countries that mark the anniversary of the end of World War I; major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. While many realize that Veterans Day, which always falls on November 11, is a day to honor our Veterans, few realize the historical significance behind the day. This year it falls on Saturday, November 11, 2017.
“Regardless of whom you voted for or why, the tension and anger that we’re now witnessing across our country and across parties is heartbreaking…and ever more so today, when we honor America’s veterans. So today, when you thank a veteran, be sure you also thank his or her family. Show them that we value their service to our country and contributions to our society. We must collectively find ways to begin to repair the rifts in our nation. Joining together to honor our Veterans and their families is a powerful place to start.” wrote Shelia Martin. We must also honor the “Gold Star” families. The Gold Star family has a tough time after their “Fallen Soldier,” especially the mother. Mother’s are much closer to the son or daughter than the rest of the family. “Yet our attitude toward our veterans and their service has not remained stable. Fifty years ago, in his proclamation of Veterans Day 1961, President Kennedy invited all citizens to observe Veterans Day in ceremonies “expressive of our people’s desire for peace and their gratitude to our veterans who have served and sacrificed to attain it.” Twenty-five years ago, proclaiming Veterans Day 1986, President Reagan spoke less of peace than of freedom and preserving our way of life: ‘Veterans Day gives all Americans a special opportunity to pay tribute to all those men and women who throughout our history, have left their homes and loved ones to serve their country. Their willingness to give freely and unselfishly of themselves, even their lives, in defense of our democratic principles has given our great country the security we enjoy today’. From Valley Forge to Vietnam, through war and peace, valiant patriotic Americans have answered the call, serving with honor and fidelity.” By Leon R. Kass the Weekly Standard
There is a psychological effect to the family when someone joins the armed forces. Even when we are not at war, military families often deal with stresses such as frequent moves or the absence of a parent. Deployment to war creates additional issues for a family to handle. “Families face a number of challenges before, during, and after deployment. This emotional cycle of deployment begins when news of deployment is released to the family. It starts with a short period of strong emotions, such as fear and anger. As departure grows closer, a period of detachment and withdrawal may occur. This can happen to prepare for the person being physically gone. During the deployment family members have a range of feelings and experiences, including: Children’s reactions to a parent’s deployment vary with each child. Reactions depend on age, maturity and any other behavioral or mental health problems the child might have. The mental health of the at-home parent often affects the child’s distress level. This is especially true for young children. If parents successfully handle the stress of deployment, their children are less likely to have mental health or behavior problems.” From Military News App by Military
“In many respects, veterans in the United States are again receiving the respect and gratitude they deserve for having risked their lives and served their country. Wounded soldiers are welcomed home, and their courage in starting a new and difficult journey in civilian life is rightly applauded. But some veterans with debilitating scars from their time in combat have received a very different reception.” From Battle Scare: Military Veterans
Communities are supporting those who serve or have served, along with their children and family. It can be one of the better tributes we can provide this “Veterans and Fallen Soldiers Day” with simple gestures.
Abraham Lincoln said; “Honor to the soldier and sailor everywhere, who bravely bears his country’s cause. Honor, also, to the citizen who cares for his brother in the field and serves, as he best can, the same cause.”
