In a few weeks, Veterans Day 2015 will be upon us, and there is a real lesson to be learned.
Across the nation, many will rightly acknowledge the day. Some businesses will offer a one day special for our nation's veterans. Some towns and cities will hold parades. Old graybeards may stand a little straighter and prouder. Some schools will invite veterans into their classrooms. Comrades from decades past will reach out to one another, confirming life long bonds. Scrapbooks and memorabilia may be pulled from the backs of closets. Some local newspapers will likely run stories about the heroes living among us. Even some elected officials will carve time from their "busy" schedules to recognize the date.
POTUS will likely do something, though not genuinely in my mind. Genuine recognition of the day will be accomplished by other elected officials, like fellow veterans Congressman Hunter and Senator Cotton.
It is also likely those seeking office will ensure some "appropriate" activity is on their calendar that day. Again, for some (like Clinton) it will be a chore to endure as part of a run for office. Had Webb remained in the contest, it would definitely not be a chore, but an obligation to his fellow vets.
The perception that veterans are those grizzled old timers, gray of beard and long of years, is slowly giving way to the "twenty and thirty something" young warriors from our most recent wars.
Regardless of age, branch of service, or time served, there is one immutable fact about our veterans. Every generation has answered the call. Every generation has stood tall when the nation asked of it. Every generation has sacrificed for this country.
The one unfortunate fact, however, is that the percentage of our population that serves this great country is growing smaller, year by year, with less than one-half of one percent of the nation currently serving in uniform. That means, most regrettably, that the vast majority of the nation are less and less connected with the veterans who have served them.
That is the real lesson for Veterans Day 2015
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