How did you celebrate? And is celebrate even the appropriate word? It is a holiday, after all. Doesn't that imply celebration? I would think it would be more appropriate to ask how someone observed the day, but that isn't a phrase you hear often. I don't think celebration is meant disrespectfully (at all), but in light of the day's essence, it seems a strange word.
I have read numerous heartfelt Facebook posts, blog entries, and a few beautiful essays today in honor of the fallen brave. And while I know that this day is in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice (and Veteran's Day is the day devoted to ALL service men and women), this morning I made a point to thank two of the servicemen in my life, both still living. And both still deserving of gratitude. Today. Tomorrow. The next day. And Tuesdays, mid October.
I was reminded to thank them because this morning I saw this.
I can't remember who posted it (it was a FB friend), and actually it was a different picture (that I can't find) but with the same quote. And here is the effect it had:
It made me think about bravery. Ultimate sacrifice and bravery. Appropriate for today in honoring the lost, but it made me think of the living as well.
Anyone who enlists in the military does so knowing there is a chance they could be sent into combat (an assumption on my part...but I think a logical one). And in doing so, in signing on the dotted line in spite of that knowledge, service men and women show an immense bravery that today I wonder if I could ever muster. It is for that reason that today I felt called to thank the living as well. Because they faced (and still face) that same possible fate, and they accepted the possibility heads high. So I do understand the essence of today, but if you are a veteran or active military reading this, know that today I also thank you (and am reminded that I am in awe of you).
I would like to think that I could give my life for those I love. Of course I want to believe that. But could I? Could I dig deep inside and stare down mortality and willingly sacrifice myself for others? Again. All I can say is, "I hope so."
For me, today also calls to mind Victoria Soto. She put herself between her students and the Sandy Hook gunman and gave her life for theirs. Bravery. Ultimate bravery. In that split second, she found it in herself.
I think of the Catholics arrested during the Nazi regime and wonder would I have the courage to stay true to my faith when faced with persecution, true, terrifying persecution.
I think of the Chernobyl Suicide Squad (who I read about in Mrs. Lindquist's sixth grade ELA class). Here is what I remember about them, what stuck with me after all of these years: They (three of them) dove into a flooded basement to turn a valve that inevitably stopped a second explosion and an even more devastating meltdown. And they did this knowing there was no chance of survival.
It was estimated they saved millions. Bravery. Ultimate bravery.
Fairly recently, when gathering related articles for a teacher to share with a group of high school freshmen, I came across a book that details many different versions of the suicide sqad's story. Apparently, the truth isn't quite what I remember from sixth grade, but the memory remains as powerful. They apparently didn't die within weeks from the radiation (as I remember), but in keeping with today's theme, I wonder if they went into that basement thinking they could. And probably would. And went anyway.
Bravery. Ultimate bravery.
I'm sure there are countless examples of these stories of bravery and sacrifice that I could call to mind (or Google) today. And I know that today is meant to honor specifically the bravery and sacrifice of our military.
I do thank them. And I am glad we have a day devoted to honor them. And today, I spent time wondering...
Could I ever muster what they gave so willingly? Could I find the depth of bravery that they each did when they laid their lives on the line for someone else? I hope I never have to know. But could I?
