Veteran’s Day

I write this mere moments after leaving the American Legion Post 30′s Veteran’s Day celebration.  Present there, along with myself was Albany Mayor Willie Adams, City Manager Al Lott, Dougherty County Comission Chairman Jeff Sinyard, and Congressman Sanford Bishop.  Me.  In a room with all of these people.

Yes, the American Legion <em>is</em> still standing. Yes, everyone left in the same relative condition as they were when we got there.  Miracles really do happen, don’t they?

Here’s the thing.  There was no reason for political differences to enter the picture.  On thing that we can all agree on, regardless of party, is that veterans deserved to be honored for their service.  Mayor Adams, Al Lott, and myself all served as part of the brotherhood that keeps this nation safe and free.  We disagree on plenty, but the place of the veteran in this nation is generally not one of them.

I wanted to talk a moment to thank those who have served.  If you read this, please tell us about your service.  I will start.

My name is Tom Knighton.  I served from 1993-1996 as a Navy Hospital Corpsman.  This is during the time of Somalia and Bosnia/Kosovo.  I served, primarily as a peace time sailer though, but was prepared in an instance to give my life for my nation.  While I’m glad that call was never given to me, I remember and applaud my brothers and sisters who have answered in through the years.

Today, people have different feelings on the wars in Iraq and  Afghanistan.  This is normal, and is as it should be.  What should never been up for discussion is a deep respect for those young men and women going through hardships that you and I can hardly fathom.  If there is no respect for them, as a whole, then I want nothing to do with you.

Those who serve are instruments of foreign policy, not the shapers of it.  Yes, many will believe in their cause, but also keep in mind that some have had to force themselves to believe.  It’s difficult to endure such hardships unless you believe.  They are merely the tools, designed and trained to go where told and fight whom told.

However, before you think less of them, understand that each and every one shouldered a responsiblity, most at an age when they’re most concerened with scoring some beer or hooking up with some hottie.  They swore and oath to keep this nation safe, a nation that has served as a beacon of freedom for over 230 years.  They swore to keep this nation free, to keep the fire of that beacon burning for as long as able.

Remember that today.  While there may be sales and cookouts during times like these, remember my brothers and sisters who have served or will serve.  Even in peace time, sacrifices are made while serving.  Shake their hands and show them your respect.  For some, like those from Vietnam, it may be their first time.