Veterans Day. It’s not just a bank holiday.
This poem, oft quoted by a generation or three older than myself, remembers those that had passed after the Great War. It turned the red poppy into the Remembrance Poppy, one that is shared the world over.
In Flanders Field
by Lieutenant Colonel John McCraeIn Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
Our world has changed much since The Great War, and yet, we celebrate every 11th day of the 11th month to remember that 11th hour when the first ceasefire of hostilities took place. To honor those who loved and were loved, and those that remain.
This year, to honor our veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars are asking everyone to use social media to thank a vet through Operation Appreciation.
The VFW is gearing up for #VeteransDay and invites you to show your support through its Operation Appreciation campaign. Participation is free and easy: share an image or video of you thanking veterans by using #ithankedavet and #yourturn. http://ow.ly/Tlyp9
Now do your part. Thank a vet. Without them, there may not be a you.
With parades and discounts and many other offerings, we may think we have it covered. Every year, I send a list of social media blasts to say thank you. It’s not enough. Capturing the act of kindness in action, not just a word or a text, but doing something that demonstrates your appreciation for a vet, just as they have done for you.
Wash their car. Write a letter. Bake something. Pay for a meal. Send some flowers. Clean the leaves off their lawn. Do something that has the vets in your life know that their sacrifice did not go unnoticed.
How are you honoring #veterans this #VeteransDay?
Share a photo or video of you thanking a #veteran. #ithankedavet #yourturn http://ow.ly/Tlyp9
