I once heard someone say, “What we need is a really good war to bring our country together.” Of course no one wants a war involving America and Americans, but there is some truth in their statement.

  As a young child living in a small town on the Oregon coast I had no concept of war. It was during  World War II that I remember scanning the sidewalks and gutters for empty cigarette packages so I could remove the tinfoil, rolling it up into a ball and adding to it as I could. The tin foil was then turned in to a collection station to be used in the war effort.

  I also remember seeing gold stars in house windows indicating that someone was serving our country in the military. At that time young men of certain ages were drafted into one of our military services. It was a harsh time for all in our small community, especially when we got word that someone’s son or husband was wounded or killed in a foreign country while doing their duty. Such a tragedy affected the entire community.

  Sadly, I also remember our military service members being ridiculed because they served our country during the Vietnam War. It made no sense to me. They were simply answering the call of duty to protect our country’s freedom and sometimes to protect the freedom of another country that was unable to adequately protect itself. I could not then and cannot now understand why anyone could have such an attitude. They obviously forget why we enjoy the freedoms we have as Americans.

  I sometimes think a period of compulsory military service would be of significant benefit to not only our country but to the service members themselves. For me it was a valuable experience. At a time when I had no positive mentoring in my life and no direction for my future it was a life-saver. I enlisted for three years during the Korean War at a time when more soldiers were needed than were available because I thought it was my obligation to do so as a member of our great country.  During my period of service I learned a trade which allowed me to obtain an excellent job with AT&T when I was discharged. The bonus was that during this time I met SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed). We have now been married 63 years.

  During the past year or so, I have sensed a change of attitude toward those in uniform as well as toward those veterans who gave several years or more of their lives because they felt it was the right thing to do. I occasionally wear a cap that indicates I am a veteran. As a result I meet other veterans because there is a common bond between us  … we were willing to give our lives in the service of our country if need be. Many paid the ultimate sacrifice while many others carry the physical and mental scars resulting from their service as do members of our law enforcement agencies.

  Therefore, it is only fitting that we observe Veterans Day in honor of those who have served. If you see a person in a military uniform or some other indication they are a veteran give them a high-five to let them know you appreciate their service to our country. They will appreciate it and you will feel better for having done so.