Veterans Day. Remembrance Day.Β It goes by many names round the world.Β While Memorial Day is what most folks in the US commemorate, in the many countries formerly in the British Empire(also known as the Commonwealth Country, it is Remembrance Day that comes up this upcoming Monday. βIn the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh monthβ in 1918, the apocryphally named β the War to End All Warsβ was ended-not by surrender but by an Armistice.Β Weary of four years of what was to that point in time the bloodiest and inhuman fighting the world had seen, the opposing sides agreed to end the bloodshed.
We pause this day every year-not to debate the geopolitical reasons the war occurred nor to rehash the aftermath that led twenty years later to the Second World War.Β Instead, we set aside this day to honor all those who, in the words of Abraham Lincoln speaking of another war, βgave the last full measure of devotionβ laying down their lives in place of their countrymen.Β One doesnβt have to agree with either side of the conflict to acknowledge the terrible sacrifices that so many went through-whether dying themselves or having so many family and friends who did.
Some may wonder why we still have this day-after all itβs been over a century since βthe Great Warβ ended.Β After all few who were around back then are still alive today.Β But as someone pointed out in an article I read about it, there are several reasons we somberly βcommemorateβ this day(itβs not truly correct to say we βcelebrateβ it).Β First is that there is still today conflict in the world-and the threat of it flaring up into a global conflagration is still as real today as it was 100 years ago.Β Secondly, it teaches todayβs children how to empathize with the losses that other families go through-especially those with RECENT losses of loved ones.Β The third is related to the first point- as the famous quote by Santayana says-βthose who cannot remember the past are doomed to repeat itβ. By studying and understanding history, we have the best chance of avoiding the pratfalls and tragedies of the past.
So while this βholidayβ was originally created to Remember a specific day in history, let us all pause to reflect on the sacrifices so many, many soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen (and their families) have made in all the wars (and peacetime and natural disasters). Say βthank you for your serviceβ to those you encounter-I know I personally owe a debt of gratitude to both my own family members who served as well as the hundreds/thousands of our members here at Crossdresser Heaven and Transgender Heaven who also served or had family and friends who did.
In humble thanks,
Cyn
The sacrifices the families of those who have served are also on my mind as is the case with you and your family Cyn.Β It's always an honor to hearΒ how both your parents lived and served and how you and your siblings handled the rigors of moving throughout your childhoods.Β My thanks for your families contribution in service to our country.
Cloe
