Salute to Veterans

In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

When I was a kid, I thought Veterans Day was a day that my uncle (who was and still is) a postman did not have to work. I still had to go to school so it wasn't a real holiday like Christmas or Fair Day.

Fast forward some 20 years and there I stand in a United States Navy uniform looking out at the vastness of the Pacific Ocean heading full speed to Iraq to support what became Desert Storm. I served in the United States Navy for 9 years and some change. I was in three armed conflicts (Desert Storm, Restore Hope and Southern Watch), saw 21 countries, crossed the line and became a trusty Shellback and met some absolutely amazing folks that made a huge impression in my life.

Now here I sit some 12 years after I got out of the Navy. Medals hang in my shadow box, unit caps on hook, my uniform dry cleaned and folded in a cedar chest. Veterans Day, working and I just know my uncle isn't, but that is cool because now I get what Veterans Day is.

Is it my past service? kinda. Too me, it was my fellow shipmates and the stories we shared. Names like Chaplin Stevens, Catfish, Bog, Duke, Mr. Bev, Mahockma. That is Veterans Day to me. A time for me to reflect on those fellow Service Members that paid the price and entered my life and left it like a routing table update.

To every Veteran who has served and every Service Member that is currently serving; Thank you.

Oh and The United States Navy Rules!!!!

Jimmy Ray
FC1(SW/AW) USN (Honorably Discharged)

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