Marching in the Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham, Alabama as a member of the high kick team of a local high school was a notable experience! Now in its 78th year, the National Veterans Day Parade in Birmingham is touted as the longest running one in the country.
But, as teenagers, I expect we were more excited about our participation and performance than the past military accomplishments and service of our veterans.
Sure, we knew the parade honored our military veterans – and we got to see many who walked and rode in the parade, medals and badges proudly displayed.
But while we were marching and doing choreographed moves, we didn’t spend a lot of time thinking about the marching veterans did into battle. As we held on to each other’s shoulders to kick, our thoughts weren’t on the American soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who held on to the wounded on the battlefields.
Our boots weren’t muddy from traversing soggy fields and marshes or dusty from dirt-stirring deserts. Nor were they expertly polished such as those that patrolled in front of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, showed up in ceremonial dress, or served as an example to incoming troops.
The aerial movements that caught our attention at that Veterans Day parade were those of our flag swirlers and baton twirlers, not the veterans who were pilots and navigators, flight crews and war planes.
The lively tunes of the band, the cheers of those lining the streets, and our excitement of performing at such a major event – those are the sounds and images and feelings that touch my memory. But I also recall the aging veterans – their hats and medals proudly worn– and the parade name that honored them.
On Veterans Day, many across America may celebrate with family and friends at a barbecue or pool party; shop at a Veterans Day sale or just relax with a day off.
But somewhere a veteran is dining alone. Somewhere a veteran is lonely. Somewhere a veteran is hurting.
And, somewhere a veteran who served our country is struggling with whether life is worth continuing.
Maybe he or she finds it hard to hear the music or the gratitude anymore.
As we celebrate Veterans Day, let’s think about our veterans, put the spotlight on them – and say “Thank You.” Their sacrifice and service – both in war and peacetime – helped ensure that we as Americans can continue to vote as we wish, worship as we desire, and, yes, celebrate holidays like this one.
Many Veterans Day parades have already taken place this year, but we can honor veterans with our words and actions all year long.
Consider these seven ways to honor veterans:
- If you see someone wearing a veteran’s cap, or with a magnet on their car indicating they’re a veteran, share a kind word of appreciation.
- Ask a veteran to share his or her stories with you.
- Encourage legislators to support efforts to effectively aid the needs of veterans.
- Vote in every election.
- Visit a veteran in a care facility.
- Reach out with a card or email to tell veterans you know they are valued and their service appreciated.
- Live life well with honor and integrity, enjoying the freedoms we have in the United States.
As teenagers performing in that Veterans Day parade years ago, we were just having fun, delighting in using our talents and training to entertain others on the parade route, and enjoying being part of a city-wide experience.
Is it possible the joy radiating through our smiles and the confidence seen in our steps, and those of other young people present, reminded veterans there of the value – the gift – they gave to keep our country strong and safe for the next generation? I hope so.
Their service to our nation demonstrated their care.
Now, let our words and actions do the same for them.
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29
- What veterans do you know whom you could speak encouragement and gratitude to today?
- What are some ways the sacrifice and service we’re called to as Christians reminds you of that which veterans give to the nation?
- How has the life of a veteran encouraged or inspired you?
- What is one way you can make a difference in a veteran’s life this year?
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:3-
Remember…
Life is Better When It’s Full – Joy-full, Thank-full, Purpose-full and Friend-full! ™
*Unless otherwise noted, Scripture references are from New International Version (NIV)