Veterans Day · 5:38am Nov 10th, 2014
Time to preach (mostly to the Americans reading this).
In the USA, Veterans day is held on the 11th of November (this Tuesday). That's to commemorate the armistice that ended World War One, on 11/11/1918 at 1100. The significance was that it was the 11th hour of humanity, and if we had pushed war any further, we would have embraced our own destruction. Not that it was the most destructive war humanity has fought, but it was a solemn acceptance of our propensity to destroy each other.
This is a time that we remember those veterans. And I say 'Go ahead and do so!' But that's not what this post is about. This is about all those who can claim veteran status, and, in my humble opinion, probably shouldn't. I'll use myself as an example. This is my first Veterans Day on active duty. In the last few months, I've earned my third ribbon. It's more or less a participation medal, but comes with the caveat that I've technically spent enough time on active duty that I would be considered a veteran should I be removed from service right now. That was enough incentive for some of my friends (just as green as myself) to start making plans for which restaurants to visit to get the most free food. Really guys?
Don't get me wrong. There are folks out there who've earned it. To you men and women who spent many hard months away from your loved ones, I honor you. To you warriors who lugged yourself and your gear over many hard miles so I could sleep soundly in my bed at night, I honor you. To you who suffered loss of limb and pain of memory for the hardships you suffered, I honor you. To you who wore that thousand-yard-stare so that I might grow up with a chance to do the same one day, I honor you. One day I might merit sharing in that honor, but not yet. This day is about you.
And on a lighter note, I really hope that Pony-Berserker makes an Air Force version of these pictures:
-Sage
See, if you came to my restaurant, I would be proud to serve you. I tried to go into the Air Force, but never could meet their physical standards (scrawny mode-locked, half-blind, asthmatic twig that I am), and I think what you guys do is worth recognition. I believe you have earned that free meal, even if you don't, because you go out every day and push your body to the limits of human capability to give me the right to tell you "Sit down, Shut up, and Enjoy your free meal."
In conclusion, *Salute*
2585916
Likely a long drive from here, but I thank you. I really do. People like you remind me of why I'm doing what I'm doing, and it never fails to make me smile. I hope you have a good day tomorrow, and meet lots of people who thank you for being an American.
2587569 Likewise.