Small Thoughts on Memorial Day

    I know someone who thinks that it is unnecessary to thank veterans for their service: they are simply doing their duty. If I am not mistaken, I recall that this person is someone who has served in the military, which certainly entitles them to that opinion. However, I couldn’t help thinking about why we should thank veterans for doing their duty. The most obvious reason is because they served, therefore you don’t have to. Furthermore, they serve/served in your stead. Each citizen owes something to their country. Someone must serve in America’s military, therefore it is the duty of each citizen to serve. Not everyone is needed actually in the military, so some volunteer. Does it really matter why they joined? Yes, I’ve heard of many who have signed in order to get a bonus, or to get college money or other less noble reasons. The fact still remains that with them there, you needn’t be. And it is equally true that they have to go fight when called, while you remain safely at home. Those who didn’t plan to fight, but rather to be financially supported by you, are still protecting you, though that wasn’t their original plan. So they still deserve your thanks, for going in your place. What about those who were drafted? Do they not deserve our thanks simply because they didn’t volunteer? They still served in your place, or, if you weren’t even born then, they served to keep this country free so you may enjoy that freedom now. They still deserve your thanks. They are patriots regardless. And there are still those who serve because they choose to. They choose to leave their family behind, so that you can stay with yours. They choose to give up comforts so that you can enjoy them… They choose to give up so many things, and you get to enjoy all those things in your life, due to their sacrifice. They love your country, and are supporting in one of the most vital ways. They deserve thanks.

     Every veteran deserves our thanks. Remember those who have given.