When an individual states to another human being that they are a veteran, people automatically assume that we should show respect. But why have we made such a decree? Why do we automatically assume that this individual, who we may never have met before, is worthy of our respect and admiration? We show it because we know what they went through. We know, when we are watching the news in our sweat pants, eating jellybeans, complaining about how bad our car wash was, that they are sleeping on sand, mud, dirt, or rock waiting and watching for quick silent death from a bullet or shrapnel, praying that it misses their head even by a millimeter.

 The veterans of this nation deserve to be awakened every single mourning with the voices of the people that they defend, like the bowl games of New Year’s Day. But obviously, we can’t follow people around screaming at them with the glory and praise that they deserve. But conversely, what we can do is every time we see them, to say thank you for their dedication and service to this country. We can help out our local VFW hall’s sponsored events like the car shows that they have during the summers, which I have personally attended on weekend ventures. We can be great human beings to veterans and whenever possible, make sure that they know that they have not been forgotten.

 The Pledge of Allegiance to the United States, to most, simply means that we are Americans. But to the Veterans, it reminds them of a time of great sacrifice. To them it was their life and pride that was on the line every time the boots were laced and they ventured their heads outside their fortified foxholes. We honor them through holidays, picnics and greeting cards, but we can never repay their service, their sacrifice, and their hardships. We can never truly compensate them for the gruesome tragedies that they must have endured. Our minds and hearts can never totally be assimilated with their thoughts, and the reminders of their time of service.

 When you spell out the words of this country, you’re not using vowels and consonants. You’re spelling with men and women’s hearts. With their passions, tears, sweat and blood. Let me tell you this, the binding of this great nation doesn’t lie with our citizen’s money, their possessions, or their rewards for past ventures. It lies with the patriotic virtues that have been implanted in our country since the Jamestown seedlings were unveiled and so cautiously planted in our mother earth. Who defended that seedling in its time of need? Who rose up to the challenge and protected our waters and walls? Veterans did! Veterans answered the soaring eagle’s call to arms, and veterans loaded their guns and defended our country on our own soil and on others. Our veterans held our union together during times of crisis, and veterans decided that the United States of America’s way life was more important then their own. They were willing to risk the lives with which God had blessed them to heal our continental wounds. They were willing to risk their lives to untangle the bondage of injustice, and they were willing to risk their lives to ascend the walls of war and reach the valley of peace and prosperity on the other side, if not for themselves, then for their people.

 When you think of Veterans, don’t think of them as forgotten men and women. Remember them in the way that they wish to be remembered- Proud, courageous, and some of the best soldiers on this earth. Rejoice in the Veteran’s pride, and remember what they have done for you, this great nation, and me.

                                                     Dean L. Decker

                                                    Walled Lake Central, Walled Lake Michigan