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There’s a pretty funny comic called “Terminal Lance” that’s drawn by a former enlisted Marine. It’s kind of the Beetle Bailey of the “Global War on Terror” generation. It’s irreverent and frequently profane, but if you haven’t given it a look, you’ll likely still appreciate the humor. All of Max Uriarte’s stuff is great.
It’s slowed over the years, but for awhile practically every chain restaurant in America had some pretty nice give away. One of the strip’s ongoing gags is about lining up all the free stuff that you used to get on Veterans Day and how the junior enlisted guys would make a day of stuffing themselves on free food.
The thing about Veterans Day for me, though, is a chance to reflect upon service. As our memory of the sacrifices of service during war fade, the deals aren’t quite as great as they once were, but I still appreciate a free cup of coffee or a doughnut. I’ll look around and a few other vets doing the same thing. Identifiable by some small detail that you can see if you’re looking… it might be the posture, a look in the eye, or a haircut.
When I grab that coffee, I like to make a little small talk with the other vets and learn about their experiences. I’d encourage you to do the same instead of some perfunctory, performative words.
I usually then sit down with my coffee and my thoughts. I remember the experiences of my youth leading a life less ordinary. To me, service was a privilege. I was able to do incredible things and meet incredible people in incredible places. It was an adventure.
But service was also a sacrifice. Over the years, I’ve spent years at sea, missed family events, and moved more times than I can count. Probably the biggest drawback to service is that when it’s time to leave the service – and we all ultimately do – we’ll have trouble being taken seriously in our new professions.
At the risk of stating the obvious though, the big thing about service is that it’s about serving. It’s about putting the needs of others above yourself, if just for a time. It’s about being willing to give it everything – your past, your present, and your future – for others. Sometimes, just for an ideal.
And most people, they won’t know. Or care.
You might fit a category in their mind. Maybe you’re the hero. Maybe a killer. Or someone with trauma. Or a fool. They’ll say something perfunctory and then go about their day.
And you know what? That’s okay.
If you did it for the right reasons, you don’t need their thanks. You served them, too.
But having been willing to give it all reminds me of how we all need to be willing to give some. Our communities, our country, our planet – they need us all to think beyond ourselves. I’d encourage you to think about how you could help others. A little bit every week can go a long way.
Also, if you see a public servant that gets less attention, make sure to thank them, too. You’d be surprised how grateful a TSA agent is to be thanked for the service to this country. We may hate airport security, but I’m grateful to get home to my family.
Finally, if you run into a veteran and you have the time and inclination, ask them about their time in the service. You’ll see the old soldier stand up a little straighter and tell you something crazy from when they were young. And you’ll probably feel more grateful that they did it on your behalf.
Happy Veterans Day everyone.