Thanksgiving Day, November 11th

It is not the reporter who has given us freedom of the press, nor the lawyer who has given us the right to a fair trial. The politician is not the reason we have the right to vote, nor the author who has given us our freedom of speech.  For all of these privileges, you can thank the Soldier.  And while it may be appropriate to thank your teachers for the ability to read these words, it is the Soldier you must thank for having the free will to read them in English. In paraphrasing these words by Charles M. Provence I suggest to you that November 11^th is this nation’s true day of Thanksgiving.

Unlike that Monday in May, when we pause to remember those brave few who have given as Lincoln suggested, “their last full measure of devotion”, Veteran’s Day was established for the purpose of honoring those dedicated men and women who have stood in great harm’s way to protect our freedom, and have blessedly returned home to live and love again.

Following their victories in Europe and the Pacific, our Parents and Grandparents who fought WW2 are often referred to as the “greatest generation”.  In 1943, nearly 11 million Americans were in uniform, most of them single men. Today, nearly 20% of our uniformed services are women, many of them juggling families along with their military career.  Sergeants and Petty Officers are no longer 19 years old commanding a platoon of other teens, but are more likely to be in their 30’s and 40’s, own their own home, and have a family to support. We should also remember that while many volunteered, nearly 10 million of those who fought the Axis more than half a century ago were drafted into their respective service.  Today, not a single service man or woman holds their rank as result of conscription; they are a truly professional fighting force.

Given their dedication, love of country, and the fact that they have willfully chosen to place themselves in harm’s way so that we might continue to live safely, I think a case can certainly be made for this generation of Soldier, Sailor, and Marine to be considered “the greatest”. 

That said, how do we thank them this November 11^th?  Fortunately, there are hundreds of organizations coast to coast whose mission is to help not only our returning Veterans, but the thousands of active and still deployed personnel.  Some of my favorites are:

The Fisher House    info@fisherhouse.org

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of our men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service.

Because members of the military are stationed worldwide and must often travel great distances for specialized medical care, Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military centers. These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful of times, during the hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease, or injury. The Fisher House Foundation uses donations to reimburse the individual facilities operated by the Army, Navy, and Air Force. No family pays to stay at any Fisher House!

Wounded Warrior Project (WWP)     www.woundedwarriorproject.org

WWP is a non-profit organization whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors. and to assist those men and women of our armed forces who have been injured during the conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations around the world.  WWP raises awareness and enlists public aid for the needs of service men and women and provides unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs

Then, of course, there is my favorite way to say thank you, and that is just to say it.  Surly if a twenty year old corporal can gather the courage to step into the line of fire in Fallujah, you can find the guts to stroll up to a service member in the airport and offer a smile and a handshake. 

You can show your respect by sharing your pride in their service with the next generation. To paraphrase an old song, teach your children.  Explain to them that freedom is not free, and that while we are most assuredly the land of the free, it is because of the brave that we remain so.  Visit a VA Hospital.  This might be a bit tough for the younger kids, but I can think of no better way to impress upon high school age teens the true cost of their X-Box and internet!

Hire a Vet!  In this tough work environment, the New Jersey job market can be nearly as challenging a territory as their tour was overseas. The unemployment rate for returning Veterans can be 2 to 4 points higher than the already staggering national average?  Try contacting “The Champion Mentor Program” at Rutgers State University or www.enableamerica.org which specializes in finding employment for disabled Veterans.  

It is comforting to look forward to November and December and the festivals they bring, but I know that were it not for those who serve and have sacrificed so that we would not have to, the joy and love of the season that is upon us might never have been.

A mortar exploded in my Fathers landing craft while approaching Omaha’s “Dog Green” beach on the morning of June 6, 1944.  Of all the men that rode that Higgins’s Boat into the withering German fire, only two survived the day.  By the 12^th of June, my Dad held the only winning ticket.  Seven long months, three Purple Hearts, and a Silver Star later, Dad, an Army Medic, was that December, finally sent home.

To all of the men and women that have worn the uniform of this country, to all those who have served on the home front or in harm’s way, to all that continue to preserve, protect, and defend our great nation, and to you Dad;  Thank you.