Veterans Day - November 11, 2023

Happy November, Friend!

Well, today is pretty special. Thirty years ago today, November 8th, 1993, I left my home and family in Arizona for Navy boot camp in Orlando, Florida. 

And, well, Saturday, November 11th, is Veterans Day.

However, even as a Navy Veteran and having a family full of vets, I haven’t paid much attention to the Armed Forces holidays. That may be because I didn't enjoy my time in the military (I’m not sure my family members did either), and I don't feel like I contributed much.

However, Veterans Day isn't about me. I have the utmost respect for those who have served and those currently serving in the Armed Services. It takes courage, commitment, and sacrifice to carry out that call, and it's often a thankless job.

I don’t talk about that period of my life much. Perhaps, at some level, I’ve been ashamed of that time. I made poor choices and hurt people (including myself), and I performed my job poorly and didn’t try to improve. I was coasting.

However, I grew and learned a lot after serving almost ten years in the Navy. It is part of who I am as a person. I don't mention it often, but I don't want to be ashamed anymore of any part of my past because it's shaped who I am now.

Have you thanked a vet today?

Talking about our past or testimony can be difficult because it’s not always pretty. I shared my testimony with a young gal who grew up in a Christian home and hasn’t experienced anything close to the poor choices I’ve made. I wonder what she thinks of me now.

But, we are not defined by other people’s opinions of us, but by who God says we are. All of the events in our lives mold and shape us into who He created us to be. He’s not surprised by anything, nor does He shame us for our mistakes. It’s never too late to embrace our past, and that’s what I want to do.

So, I'm thankful for my time in the service, the friends I made, the lessons I learned, and the person I've become. 

Is there something in your past that you're not so proud of? Consider why that may be, and ask yourself if there's any way to honor that part of you—because it's all connected.

Many people confuse Veterans Day and Memorial Day. Easy to do, they both started out as a day to honor fallen soldiers.

Memorial Day (always the last Monday in May) began in 1866 after the Civil War ended. It was originally called Decoration Day, as people would take a day to decorate the graves of those service members to honor those who lost their lives during their service. The date shifted quite a bit, but ultimately it was decided to observe it on the last Monday of May. 

Citation: VA Article on Memorial Day

Veterans Day (always November 11th) began in 1919 on the anniversary of the ending of World War I. It was originally called Armistice Day (truce day), when the US, France, and England all had similar memorial services for unknown soldiers lost in World War I, which all took place at the same time, commemorating the end of the war at the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month. Though the origins are similar to Memorial Day, it is now a time to honor anyone who has served, no matter how long. 

Bonus nugget: November 11 is observed as more of a Memorial Day in honor of World Wars I and II veterans in Britain, Canada, Australia, and France.

Citation: VA Article on Veterans Day

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