Jeff’s Journal
By Jeff Whitaker
Do you ever feel like you could have done more? A situation comes along and you have a chance to speak up, intervene, or somehow get involved, but you don’t. At least, maybe not to the extent you could have. I tend to get that feeling around Veterans Day. I came of age as the War in Vietnam was winding down. I didn’t get called into service, and I didn’t pursue a military career. It’s not that I wish I had. However, on days like Memorial Day when we take time to remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our country or on Veterans Day when we honor those who sacrificed and served, I wonder if I should have done more.
Whether at a ceremony at the town square or in a Sunday morning church service, a speaker or pastor often acknowledges those who served by asking them to stand and be recognized. Every time, I’m moved by the faces. These are men and women, young and not so young, who in the prime of their lives made a decision of service and sacrifice over ease and leisure. This is true especially in times of war when those who answered the call knew it was nearly certain that they would find themselves in harm’s way.
For those of us who have not served in the armed forces, there are other ways to contribute to our country and the cause of liberty. One of those ways we experienced earlier this month at the polling place. Taking the time to understand the issues at stake, investigate the candidates running for office, and then cast our vote is one of the best ways to contribute and honor those who have defended that right for all of us. I’m humbled when I think of those who have spilled their blood, lost a limb, or sacrificed years of their lives for us to be able to have our voice heard. Countless people around the world still live without that privilege.
There is also another way to express our feelings of gratitude and thankfulness to those who have served. This Veterans Day, and any day you come in contact with a vet, try a simple “thank you” in passing. For most of us who have grown up with the freedoms and privileges we have, it can be easy to take those things for granted.
Veterans Day is a good day to pause, reflect, remember and say “thank you.” We would all do well to take note of the words of President Ronald Reagan, who said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free.”
Jeff Whitaker is a veteran broadcaster here in South Jersey. He now draws on his experience and training to work with companies and individuals to develop effective storytelling, communications and leadership skills. Find free resources and ways Jeff can work with you at jeffwhitaker.com
