I honor this day and hold it sacred because of my Grandfather (marine on Iwo Jima) and other friends and family that served in the military and those that still do.
Today, Audrey and I visited most of the war memorials in town to reflect on our nation's history - unfortunately, it seems not everyone cares about the meaning of today and the respect due to those that have fallen while serving their country. While we were leaving the Korean War memorial, a group of teens ascended upon the structure dedicated to those lost in the battle over the 38th parallel - North/South Korea. One particular piece is shaped like a flattened, elongated "u" and the names of those fallen are inscribed on its surface - titled LIFE.
Apparently, one of the youths thought this surface would be a cool place upon which to ride his skateboad! Immediately after seeing him climb to the top of it, I quick-stepped back to the monument in time to change his course of action - meaning, I scolded him for lack of respect and sternly suggested he and his friends go elsewhere to play. I remember saying something like, "are you kidding me? You're gonna ride your skateboard over the names of people that have lost their lives serving our country? On Veteran's Day? Do you have no respect for anyone? Our history?"
After my emotional response, he quickly apologized for being disrespectful and hurriedly gathered his friends up and headed for their truck, and off they went. Unfortunately, they could be back tomorrow - but under my watch, no one will disrespect the lives of the fallen without hearing from me.
I think many of our youth have no understanding of the many sacrifices prior generations have made - they enjoy many freedoms and luxuries because of those sacrifices. As it stated on the memorial....Duty, Honor, Country.
Thank you to all the vets and their families!
