My hero doesn't wear a cape; he doesn't have an "S" blazoned across his chest. My hero doesn't don a helmet with a star, or wear shoulder pads, or give life to "Romo-mania." My hero isn't a legendary rock guitarist, or a moviestar, or a Wall Street mogul. My hero wears a uniform (of the Navy, Air Force, Army, Marines, or Coast Guard . . . take your pick) and has bravely voluntered to serve in defense of his (or her!) country.
Today is Veteran's Day. Sadly, I often think of it as the "Forgotten Holiday," because too little obeservance is made of it. Oh sure, there is a parade here and there, and there are public programs of different sorts, but does Veteran's Day rise to the level of Thanksgiving in the conscience of people, or even Labor Day?
The men and women who serve in our military, who put their lives on the line so our freedoms remain deserve our the heights of our respect. They deserve all the recognition that we can bring to them and every honor that we can bestow. Let our appreciation go much deeper than some 30-minute parade or some passing reference.
Another lament: in a similar vein, Memorial Day has been reduced to picnics and homemade ice cream, and we've lost sight of the countless heroes who have not merely put their lives on the line in defense of our freedoms, but have paid the ultimate price for them.
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