What does Veteran’s Day Mean to You?

USS Germantown

On Veteran’s Day, I salute everyone who has taken the oath to ““Support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same…So help me God.”

If it wasn’t for our military, who knows where I country would be today.

I was very proud to serve as a Navy Corpsman as it was my choice to sign up.

Others weren’t so fortunate.

A little bit of History: The Selective Service Act of 1917 was passed. Initially, men between the ages of 21 – 30 were required by law to register for service for one year. The age limit changed to 45 in 1918 and the draft was discontinued in 1920.

The draft was reestablished from 1940 – 1947, requiring men between the ages of 18 – 64 to register. The age and length of service changed over time. The military draft was temporarily halted and re-established from 1948 – 1972.

When I signed up for the Navy in 1985, it was my choice and I’m thankful for the opportunity to learn life skills and serve my country.

My heart goes out to those who didn’t have a choice. I’m grateful to everyone who volunteered to put their lives on the line to fight for our country. Many of you are silently suffering and I thank you for your sacrifices.

I also honor those who ultimately sacrificed their lives for our freedoms.

With all the divisions happening across our country, let’s unite to celebrate our veterans!

Please know that some veterans may not want to be thanked because they are conflicted about what they had to do to serve our country. Taking a life for our country’s freedom is a lifechanging event that some battle with every day.

Wendy Card