This Monday is a day for honoring all the veterans who have served our country. Unlike Memorial Day in May, where we remember those veterans who are no longer with us, Veterans Day is meant to recognize all veterans, living and deceased. I recently learned that because of this inclusion of ALL veterans, there isn't any apostrophe for the word; veteran's would imply a single person and veterans' would refer to multiples.
I had the opportunity to chat with a very dear friend of mine who served in Desert Storm and ask what Veterans Day means to him. He said, "A soldier commits only one act of bravery - putting on the uniform. Everything that follows is just his duty." He explained that he feels conflicted when people thank him for his service because while he respects their appreciation, he was just doing his job. His response just made me appreciate him more.
So this Monday, acknowledge the veterans in your lives - whether a family member, friend, or someone you bump into on the street - by thanking them for putting on the uniform. Our country is lucky to have these brave men and women to serve it.
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