Unwrapping Veteran’s Day, and what it means to us as Americans

How should we think about Veterans Day 2018? With the backdrop of recent midterm elections, “Make America Great Again” hats, and National Anthem protests, the ideas of patriotism and what it means to be “American” have been jumbled as of late.

When I think about something like this, I always try to set some outer boundaries at the extreme edges and then work my way back to a more balanced and reasonable position.

On one extreme, there are people that want to believe that America is the greatest at everything, end of discussion. This can quickly devolve into straight up nationalism and isolationism. Essentially, “we’re the best, everybody else can get the heck out!” I don’t think honorable military members gave their lives in times of war so people could fist pump and yell “‘Merica!” real loud at the BBQ and then light off some fireworks.

At the other extreme are people with no regard for the United States’ significance in the last 200 years. At its best, the willingness of American soldiers to sacrifice protecting our brand of democracy has been a buoy and stabilizer to the rest of the world. Ignoring what America means to the cause of freedom in the world is just as bad as the opposite extreme.

So how do you honor and respect men and women who have voluntarily put themselves in harm’s way? What about the ones you disagree with on fundamental issues regarding freedom, liberty, and politics?

I’ve come up with a few things that I try to do — steal them if they connect with you.

First, divorce myself from politics. If a man or woman has served in the military honorably, I am indebted to them. It really doesn’t matter if we agree on policy or not. I actively try to engage from a position of gratitude.

Next, I try to do the small things. I’ve just recently become comfortable with genuinely thanking people for their service. When you see a man in his 70s or 80s wearing a Navy hat or a Vietnam jacket, say thank you. Tell them you appreciate what they did. When I see active duty personnel in an airport or restaurant, I make an attempt to buy them a beer. Making a habit of this when it’s not Veteran’s Day is my goal.

Finally, I try to do my part as a citizen. They served in a literal sense, I need to do my part and exercise the things they fought to protect. I need to speak up and stand up for veterans. They have earned medical care. They have earned job opportunities. They have earned mental health options. They have earned our respect. We should give it freely.

It’s easy to lose sight of the basics in times like these. At its core, America believes in life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and we are willing to fight for it. In my opinion, the greatest thing you can do on Veteran’s Day is remind yourself to live, love, and pursue. Make your world a better, fairer, and freer place. I think that’s the legacy of the sacrifices made.

Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you for your service.

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