Veteran's Day 2018

How did I spend Veteran's Day 2018?

For many people, Veterans Day is a day of celebration and parades. 

For me, I walked on the beach and lifted a glass to all those souls who served their country.

Veterans Day, in the United States, falls on the same day as "Remembrance Day" / "Armistice Day" in other parts of the world. It is, as you know, on November 11th.   

So, I would like to thank all the Veterans out there who have served their country nobly and honorably. If you did, I would like to thank you for serving.  

This year is especially poignant in that it is on the 11th-hour of the 11th-day in the 11th-month one hundred years ago the Armistice with Germany went into effect. 

Though, since that time, service men and women have been putting their life on the line in many places and in many conflicts throughout the world. That's why veterans' organizations in the United States, in 1954, lobbied to have the day renamed to "Veterans Day" to honor all veterans.  

A veteran, in this context, means "a person who has served in the military."  Period. 

Serving in the military was an excellent opportunity for me. I was drifting like so much flotsam and jetsam on the ocean of life until I joined. It brought focus and discipline into my life at a time when I needed it and is a large part of who I am today. 

Since leaving the military, some of the discipline and drive I acquired in the Marines has lingered. I am grateful for that. 

I know lots of you see me as a drifter who is lucky enough to drift where I please. In part that's true, and I have had some excellent breaks in my life that allow me to continue to do that. 

However, it all starts with the discipline to do the things you need to do when needs must.

I will always be grateful that I was able to serve in the Marines. It did much more for me that I ever did for them. 

So, on this day, I am doubly grateful. I'm thankful for your services and for the opportunity to serve. 

I hope you remembered veterans on the 11th.  As for veterans, I would suggest you reflect on the benefits you got from your service as well. We are blessed. 

And for what it's worth:

Until next week, I wish you peace.  

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