Have you hugged a Veteran today?
I come from a military family. My great-grandfather served in the the Navy. So did both my grandfathers. My father was a lifer in the Air Force, he served a full 30 years before his retirement. I am, as they say, an Air Force brat. I grew up on bases around the world. I have known men and women from all branches of the military. They’re not that different from anybody else, but they hold themselves and are held to a higher code of conduct than a lot of us. I’m not saying they’re all models of society, they’re not. Some of them are complete assholes. But a lot of them are amazing, honorable people who joined to fight the good fight.
You may not agree with them, you may not like them or what they’re doing, but all veterans, retired or currently serving, deserve your respect because they are doing something you’re either not willing or not able to do. It’s like that line from A Few Good Men: “They stand on a wall, and they say, ‘Nothing’s gonna hurt you tonight. Not on my watch’.” And that is a thing worthy of respect.
Hug a veteran today. Or, if you’re not into hugging, say thank you. It’s always nice to know that you’re appreciated.
