Saluting The Nation
Today is Veterans Day, and it's time to say a few words about that...
Yesterday, I went to a local joint to watch Monday Night Football and grab a bite, scanning the web on my iPhone during commercials for the latest news in the Raider Nation. It was just another day in the United States of America, comfortable and uneventful.
But I don't take it for granted, because there are many men and women in uncomfortable circumstances around the world who have put themselves in harm's way so that we can reap the rewards of freedom and prosperity.
Last night, there were camouflage accents on the NFL sideline gear, presumably in honor of Veterans Day, and ESPN did a nice job of incorporating things like veterans memorials and the Marine Corps birthday (November 10) into the broadcast. But let's not confine our appreciation to such token nods, but rather keep it top of mind, because that's what our veterans deserve.
I never served in the military, although my brother did for a spell. We don't come from a military family. But I can't help but have a profound respect and an enduring gratitude for the veterans of the U.S. military, past and present.
It's sickening to me how many people today take our freedoms for granted, and who use those very freedoms to constantly rag on the home team, always pointing out the country's flaws while demeaning its greatness. We have become spoiled brats.
If you have time, go search the "Omaha Beach" scene from Saving Private Ryan on YouTube. It's a profound depiction of the unfathomable sacrifice that so many have made for us. The veterans of World War II are now in their 90s, and they are leaving us at a rate of more than 500 per day.
Let us never forget them, nor those brave souls who came before and after them. If you see a veteran, or an active military member, consider thanking them. I was coming out of the bank a few weeks ago, and this older guy with a Vietnam Vet hat held the door for me. I said thanks, and thanks for your service to our country, too. He seemed taken aback, but also appreciative. I need to speak up more often.
Today, we honor not the Raider Nation, but our real Nation, the United States of America and the men and women of our military.
Yesterday, I went to a local joint to watch Monday Night Football and grab a bite, scanning the web on my iPhone during commercials for the latest news in the Raider Nation. It was just another day in the United States of America, comfortable and uneventful.
But I don't take it for granted, because there are many men and women in uncomfortable circumstances around the world who have put themselves in harm's way so that we can reap the rewards of freedom and prosperity.
Last night, there were camouflage accents on the NFL sideline gear, presumably in honor of Veterans Day, and ESPN did a nice job of incorporating things like veterans memorials and the Marine Corps birthday (November 10) into the broadcast. But let's not confine our appreciation to such token nods, but rather keep it top of mind, because that's what our veterans deserve.
I never served in the military, although my brother did for a spell. We don't come from a military family. But I can't help but have a profound respect and an enduring gratitude for the veterans of the U.S. military, past and present.
It's sickening to me how many people today take our freedoms for granted, and who use those very freedoms to constantly rag on the home team, always pointing out the country's flaws while demeaning its greatness. We have become spoiled brats.
If you have time, go search the "Omaha Beach" scene from Saving Private Ryan on YouTube. It's a profound depiction of the unfathomable sacrifice that so many have made for us. The veterans of World War II are now in their 90s, and they are leaving us at a rate of more than 500 per day.
Let us never forget them, nor those brave souls who came before and after them. If you see a veteran, or an active military member, consider thanking them. I was coming out of the bank a few weeks ago, and this older guy with a Vietnam Vet hat held the door for me. I said thanks, and thanks for your service to our country, too. He seemed taken aback, but also appreciative. I need to speak up more often.
Today, we honor not the Raider Nation, but our real Nation, the United States of America and the men and women of our military.
posted by Raider Take at 11:44 AM
9 Comments:
Thank You! We'll said... USMC 86-92
Well said RT. Very eloquent and true
Sandy
Indeed! Thank you to all vets!
Happy Vet day to all.
If only the Raiders had the spirit, fight, and toughness of our military people, things would be a lot better.
All of us are very fortunate to live in a country that cherishes and values individual freedoms.
Semper Fi, USCM 1988-1992
Veterans in the house. Thank you.
obvious typo on my part -- USMC
Thanks RT.
Thanks to all the vets on here who have served our country well.
I understand that freedom comes at a heavy price, a price that is worth they payment. We are fortunate to live in a country where freedom is priority over political oppression.
We must not stop fighting for our freedom, nor should we relinquish the fight for others to experience the same freedom.
Gameday thread is up, Angry Edition.
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