The meaning of
Veterans Day has changed for me these last few years; I have always had respect
for our Veterans due to my Father. He would be sure to buy the pansies being
sold by the various retired Veterans in front of the random stores. The sale of
these small flowers is a way of raising money for different Veteran projects. No
matter the donation the Veteran would hand you a red pansy.
Pansies are known
for their hardiness and ability to produce a flower of striking beauty even in
harsh weather and adversity. The French word “pensee,” meaning thoughts, in particular
the thoughts of loved ones. The myth grew that you could see a loved one in the
face of the pansy.
These days I see
a Veteran in a different way, I am amazed at the extraordinary havoc the
military placed upon them. I have heard many experiences’ told by WWI, WWII,
Korean, Vietnam, OIF, OEF, DS, OND and So many other operations handed to our
armed men and women. Each of these operations holds specific and Unique Health
Risks. They Combined Penetrating, Blunt Trauma, and Burn Injuries. The Vietnam
time gave way to chemicals we all know as Agent Orange.
Our Veterans gave
more than most, they still live the memories. The smell of dirt brings back the
reminders of underground tunnels. The site of a random act like taking out the
trash places a trigger of memories of the body bags. The smell of the pesticides
at your local hardware store gives memories of Vietnam. So many basic actions
we think nothing of are daily reminders of excruciating physical and mental
pains.
The Veteran just
deals with it, by keeping to self. Drinking,drugs,anger issues, and commitment problems are
just a few on-going battles that are continued. Most WWI, WWII and Korean War
Vets never seem to open up, and a Vietnam Vets would never talk due to persecutions.
I
personally remember a conversation between my Daddy and my oldest brother. My
brother asked, “How did you handle the memories Dad? You never seem to have
problems.” my Dad answered, “I drink a few beers and just try and think of the
good things.”
I have had the
Honor and Pleasure of working for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs at VA
Montana and now for VA Salt Lake City. Being a nurse taking care of these Men
and Women, well it has been an honor and I really enjoy the character and depth
in their personality. I admire their true Hero mentality. I am blessed to have
met many hear the truths and feel just a bit of the pain as they have attempted
to open up. God Bless the Men and Women that fight for our rights. God Bless
the real mark of heroism.
So do me a favor,
Next time you meet a Veteran Say, Thank you. Next time you hear a Mom say her
son is in the military, Say, Thank you. Next time you look in the eye of a
Veteran selling the red pansy give up a buck or two but be sure to say, Thank
you for your service. May God bless our families who give their sons and daughters
Sincerely and with Great Honor,
Shannon
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