Yesterday was Veterans Day in the US. It is not a holiday I have taken much notice of before. I think I have been like many Americans who may have seen it as another "free" day; a chance at a long weekend. This year I picked up a new awareness. Maybe it's the economy, the election, the general state of the world. Or maybe, just maybe, I am getting a little wiser with age.
In the morning, I stopped by one of my local favorite hang outs. A coffee shop that always has a nice buzz, even if you don't drink the coffee. I affectionately refer to it as the "Slow Zone" because no matter how small or large the order, everyone who enters must hang out and wait a while. Life in Sedona. Coming from New York, this was a bewildering culture shock at first. Now, it has become one of the charming aspects of this place.
I hope you enjoyed that digression; I am now getting back to the heart of the matter. I was prepared to sit quietly responding to emails while waiting for my small, hot beverage. When I overheard another patron address one of the departing victors who had finally earned what he had ordered. It sounded like she said "[garble, garble] did you serve?" While I was trying to figure out what she was saying he started talking about his time in Iraq. She politely thanked him for his service and wished him a nice day. This is not an abnormal conversation in this town or even in the Slow Zone. However, I was sensitive to it because it was Veterans Day. I asked myself, why couldn't I offer this kind of appreciation. Now that I heard their conversation, I realized his jacket had a military slogan or insignia. Hmmmm. What channel was I tuned into?
Yes, I have been a person of peace for much of my life. Yes, I have not wanted our nation to go into war. Yes, I have expressed my disagreement with some of the decisions and views of our political leaders. But, shouldn't I have room in my heart for the young men and women putting their lives on the line? Am I not a person who has extolled the virtues of public service?
Well, I had a greater opportunity to check myself today. I attended an appreciation service for Korean War Veterans. My maternal grandfather served in that "conflict." But I did not know much about it or what the service of those men and women meant. I heard some stories and speeches that really touched my heart and showed me how human souls can grow, even from something as distasteful as war. I heard about the courage shown for the benefit of strangers. I heard about soldiers who hid away food to feed starving children in a country of strangers. I also heard deep heartfelt statements of gratitude. This is not the first time I heard Korean people express their gratitude and admiration for the service of American citizens on their behalf. It had greater resonance today with some of those servicemen being present to hear the gratitude.
It's amazing how much we complain. Many Americans can take the opportunities, choices and freedoms for granted. We often feel entitled to better and more than we have now. It's amazing because I heard letters and presentations from Koreans who say that they owe their economic success and political choices to the sacrifices made by these strangers 60 years ago. Hmph! I couldn't even recognize how the service of my own grandfather, father or brothers has contributed to my educational, career and political choices. I really felt that I had to repent for not fully acknowledging the contributions of service men and women. My mindfulness was missing something vital: an element of compassion.
If my highest aspiration includes the improvement of the collective health of my people, I have to recognize this. I have to learn to value a fuller spectrum of service and contribution to society. So, I say thank you to all of you who have served, are serving or will serve. Thank you. I promise you that Veterans Day will never be the same for me again. It will be a "free" day to appreciate and celebrate the sacrifice.
