All gave some..

...and whatever you gave, in whatever way, in whichever branch, during during or between whichever wars, from one vet to another, thanks.

Y'all are very welcome…

…for my service, but my Veteran's Day salute is going to the guy with time in grade...

Ninety-three years ago, Frank Buckles took the oath of enlistment and joined the U.S. Army. He was under age 16, but dreamed of service and adventure and realized that dream during his duty in Europe during World War One. Today, at 109 years of age, Mr. Buckles is recognized as the last living U.S. Veteran of World War One…

Thanks, Frank.

Hat tip to Chris Scheer at the VA's new blog, VANtage Point.

You're welcome, but...

I've heard several expressions, personally and generally, of thanks for my service in the US Army today. I appreciate that, of course, but I can't help thinking that the best way to express appreciation to veterans is to stop sending the active duty troopers to missions unworthy of their service.

Mine was probably the last generation raised to believe that military service wasn't a sacrifice, and certainly wasn't a matter of heroism, though some did serve heroically. We were raised to believe that doing your time, either voluntarily or when called, was an obligation of citizenship. My dad and three of my uncles served in the Pacific theater during World War II. Three more uncles served in the European theater. The cost they paid ranged from a lost leg (Uncle Bill) to malaria (Dad). They all saw active combat. None of them considered themselves "heroes."

My brother preceded me in Vietnam, and if you suggest his Purple Heart is a badge of heroism, he'll laugh at you.

We all served honorably. Heroically? That's someone else's call.

We served, though, and if you appreciate that, well, you're welcome. But, please, don't make any new heroes on our account, unless it's in circumstances where the need to serve is so obvious that thanks become superfluous.

And to all my comrades of every service in every era, welcome home.

Happy Veteran's Day…

…to all my brothers and sisters in arms who made it back.

In the company of soldiers
I have no need to explain myself
In the company of soldiers
everybody understands.

In the company of soldiers,
I don't have to pretend to be the person I'm not
Or strike that pose, however well-intended, that is expected
by those who have not known me under arms.

In the company of soldiers all my crimes are forgiven
I am safe
I am known
I am home
In the company of soldiers.

Stephanos, 327 B.C.E.

Hat tip to The Minstrel Boy, who knows.