Pausing to remember

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” —40th U.S. President Ronald Wilson Reagan (1911-2004)

For more than a century, Americans have gathered on the eleventh day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour to make their respectful, solemn, patriotic annual observance of Veterans Day, originally established as Armistice Day at the end of World War I, to mark the end of what was optimistically heralded as “the war to end all wars.”

Veterans Day honors all of those who have served our country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.

Across more than three decades of covering local American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, Veterans Day observances in Wisconsin, Ohio and Illinois, no matter what community I’ve been living and working in, the common denominators across the decades and hundreds of miles has always been the pervasive sense of community and gratitude for the contributions made and sacrifices endured by our veterans and their families.

We come together on Veterans Day as part of something bigger than ourselves as we celebrate our local heroes and show our affection for them, expressing our gratitude for their military service in preserving our country and our many freedoms. 

As we gathered on Monday to honor our nation’s veterans, I was reminded anew of the special kind of patriotism that spans the generations, uniting us as we gathered to reflect on our veterans and their sacrifices, courage and dedication to protecting freedom. Veterans Day reminds us, individually and as a community gathered, to appreciate those who have served our country and honor their memories, sacrifices and contributions.

And as we pause to acknowledge the bravery and selflessness of our nation’s veterans, it’s also a time to reflect on and remember the ripple effect of their service, the impact it has on our families and communities — past, present and even into future generations. It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of honoring and supporting those who serve and acknowledging the impact they’ve had on our society, first in wartime on the battlefield and later in peace on the home front, serving as community leaders in a variety of roles as teachers, emergency services volunteers, municipal public servants, and more.

Veterans Day touches hearts across America, reminding us of the unwavering dedication of our nation’s heroes. Their stories inspire, motivate and leave an indelible mark on our collective memory as we gather to pay tribute to the men and women who have served our nation with valor and distinction. Their selflessness and devotion to duty, both in their military and civilian lives, inspire us all, and we are forever grateful for their service and sacrifices. Not all wounds are visible.

Veterans Day is a reminder that freedom comes with a price, and it’s our duty to honor those who’ve paid it on our behalf.

The national holiday fosters a sense of community and recognition for the brave men and women who served and sacrificed on behalf of a grateful nation, as our communities come together to celebrate our veterans, from kids waving flags to older generations sharing their stories of courage, honor and valor.

This unity around Veterans Day strengthens our bonds and reminds us that we’re all part of something greater. The U.S. Us.

In the cautionary words of 16th U.S. President Abraham Lincoln, “Any nation that does not honor its heroes will not long endure.”

Eric Johnson can be reached at ejohnson@lakegenevanews.net.