Veterans Day 2011

Hello Readers,

   I had thought up some glorious post to share today, 11 November 2011; Veterans Day. Going to keep it simple and pretty much straight forward.

   My first observance of Veterans' Day was 11/11/99.  I remember it so well because it's the same day I left Active Duty for the first time.  My flight from Germany wasn't until evening, and being the only soldier in the Battalion with a Dress Blue Uniform, I was tasked with reading for the observance we held.

   The speech was "canned"...culled from an archive of a Presidents speech years earlier.  As I read the speech to the 30 or so soldiers, I had to pause a few times.  Looking at the throng of troops, seeing the faces of those who had deployed and those who had yet to deploy, I found my mind lingering to several questions...."would my flight be on time", "how long is the layover" and " I wonder how much my family has changed during these years apart".   I , too, was a veteran, but in the previous dozen years ( including pre-Army ) I had seen so many Veterans' Day go by without so much as a whimper. It is one of many Federally recognized holidays, but as a student or worker or soldier deployed, we couldn't take a day off and lose wages or take away from the mission at hand.

   No more I tell you.  I have received many well wishes on  Face Book and someone sent me an electronic "birthday card".  I was hesitant to open it, because my birthday isn't in November.  When I did, it was a wonderfully done tribute to Veterans...and I.  I still don't know who sent the e-card....I have a name ,but can't place them.  Thank you to everyone that has shown your support during this and my several other deployments.... and to my extended family, where ever  you are:  HAPPY VETERANS DAY and THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!!

Trevor M Dodge