As we speak, I am fondly polishing my Grandfather's medals from WW1 and my Father's medals from WW2. They both came home from these wars, obviously, but so many of their comrades-in-arms did not, and I am grateful for their ultimate sacrifice. I am grateful to every man and woman in our Armed Services who had the courage to say "Yes, I will go into harm's way for my country, and the friends of my country. I will risk...and perhaps give....my life to defend what is right".
John Dorgan, I agree with you. This is a day for all Veterans. We can take other opportunities to recognize EMS and other equally gallant groups...and we should. They too deserve it. But we must not dilute the heroism of those men and women who came home in flag-draped caskets, or disabled. We must not take attention away from the mothers and fathers who had to perform the most tragic of acts....burying their children.
We as a society have a tendency to lump things together. My own personal "issue" is the recognition of the firefighters who died in 9/11. Are they heroes? Sure they are, and they deserve our respect and appreciation. But how come no-one ever mentions the 37 Paramedics, EMTs and First Responders who also died on that fateful day, trying to save others? It's all about the firefighters...and that isn't right.
Jeremy makes a valid point. We, as a grateful society, must find opportunities to recognize and acknowledge the many groups that go above and beyond to contribute to our quality of life. It is right that we should acknowledge anyone who puts their life on the line for others.
But today, November 11th, is Veteran's Day in the U.S. and Remembrance Day in Canada. Today we acknowledge those who have served in our Armed Forces, those who are serving now, and those who gave their lives in the name of Freedom.
"....And on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month, we SHALL remember them."
