Veteran's Day
10 November 2009
Anonymous
The Lonely Road
Tomorrow marks the eighth observance of Veteran’s Day since the War on Terror began on 11 September 2001. A holiday set aside originally to celebrate the end of World War I it is now used to honor all veterans. It is the opinion of this writer that one day is clearly not enough and that - since the outbreak of the current wars - more attention is now paid to these brave men and women. That, of course, has been the case throughout history. In times of distress and conflict all consideration is given to members of the military; but what happens when the guns fall silent? When the danger has passed and peace and prosperity loom on the horizon? Many if not all of these veterans fall from the public eye, to be noticed only when wearing some emblem of their past service, in a parade, or, more solemnly, when paying their respects at the resting place of a fallen comrade.
What does one think when observing such a scene? The soldier in question, if not in uniform, most likely resembles any other bereaved visitor at the burial site of a loved one or friend. The truth is in the details: it’s the way he carries himself, even if injured. Confident - proud even - while grieving and remembering their friend who gave his all. From a distance perhaps this soldier seems surprisingly composed, might we even suppose that upon closer inspection this veteran would remain so. Inside, however, may be a different story. For who better than he would know the truth of the life and death of the person laid to rest beneath the earth?
It is said that in battle men form a bond that supercedes all past and future relationships, that they become closer to each other than a blood relative. So it should not be surprising if we were to observe the degradation of his placidity and succumb to the anguish of his lost friend.
This holiday is meant to honor the veterans for their service and to show gratitude for all that they do for us in these terrible and dark times. And while that gratitude is certainly well received sometimes the issuer of the thanks perhaps feels stung by the quiet if not sarcastic response, if he receives any at all. From the veteran’s point of view the person thanking him does not fully comprehend just what they are grateful for. Surely protection from harm and the preservation of liberties but in the soldier’s eyes it is so much more than that. He is being thanked for having to endure not only the awful Hell of battle and the memory of fallen comrades but whatever awaits him when he finally returns home.
Many may agree that a soldier’s return from war is more trying than being in the combat zone itself. He is returning to a place that is supposed to be safe and free from worry. But after a while this may not be the case; memories begin to surface, visiting friends from their tour of duty conjure recollections of horror, tragedy and those special moments of bonding that, if observed from the civilian standpoint, would surely seem odd, perhaps even a bit deranged.
Often a soldier may have injuries sustained from their tour, whether wounded in battle or an accident. Regardless of what they did during their time in the combat zone every single soldier brings something back with them. A permanent injury to the mind and heart that is not often seen nor directly observed and may even go unnoticed for years. Unlike others who petition the government for redress of perceived offenses the veteran will often suffer quietly, enduring whatever ails them for a lack of confidence in anyone removed from their situation to assist. But more, they may be desirous to not burden those they care about with the problems that they face. And so as ever, the affliction is faced alone.
Years after these soldiers return home, though sometimes immediately, they seek to live in seclusion or at least in locales where they can find a measure of solace and peace. A much deserved conclusion to what they willingly volunteered to put themselves through for the benefit of others. And perhaps that is one small thing that they need more than giving attention to any ailments they may face. To be given that space and the time to come to terms with what they have seen and done. An even greater benefit would be to listen to these incredible people, to hear their stories if they are willing to share. A point of view on life grossly misunderstood and occasionally ignored.
These incredible people deserve our eternal gratitude but perhaps not in the way we imagine. Not to be thrust into a parade or made to give speeches at various events. While surely these methods are a respectful way of honoring their service, a quieter more subtle way is equally gracious. Visiting with, spending time with and generally treating these brave people like any regular person is a greater show of devotion than they could possibly imagine. Attention on a grand scale is not necessary and probably unwelcome to these mostly modest folks. Veterans walk a very lonely road through life, no matter how long and how far they remove themselves from the time that they served they are never truly home. Not until the day they themselves are reunited with their long lost comrades to share in the only true eternal peace.
Please remember our soldiers on this solemn holiday and let not their stories fade untold into the dark recesses of history. With this knowledge we could reduce the number of times that future veterans are made.