When I was a kid I always wondered why everyone seemed to make such a big deal out of the veterans in the parade. I mean, we got fire engines, horses, clowns, motorcycles and of course candy. Why the heck is there a bunch old guys with flags, pins and ribbons just walking by and waving? Come on, boring. 
Even as an older youth when I understood what a veteran was I still didn’t get why they were in every parade. I mean I know they were in the military and they served during a war but what’s that got to do with the parade? I didn’t mind, but it just didn’t really seem like it was all that important and I didn’t understand why they were always there. I mean it was guaranteed.
In many ways I think this is due to growing up in times of relative peace. No major wars were fought until after I had sat in a bar and had my first beer. Now I wish that had been in a VFW. Maybe then I would have started to get it. I don’t think my generation had come close to the cost of our freedom, the cost of war until now. Even the first Gulf War seemed largely an easy victory with very little sacrifice. At least that’s how it seemed to me at the time. Somehow, my generation managed to make it through our entire childhood and adolescence without being touched by war. If you look back in history, that doesn’t happen too often.
September 11th was a sad day for our country, but one very good thing came out of that day and the two wars that have followed it. Myself and many others of my generation, and the next generation now share a much deeper understanding of the cost paid for our freedoms.
I know that the war has been controversial, but supporting our troops has not. In fact, just the opposite.
It has renewed that appreciation in those who had it. And for those like me who were missing it, we see it now. We feel it now. And we say thank you.
I will never again watch a parade and wonder why those veterans are there.
all that have served…
and all that will serve.
Most of all, remember those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedom.
And remember their families who also make the sacrifice with them.
We are forever in your debt.
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Well said!
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