A Veterans Day Message From Arizona District Master, Bryant Sayers PSD
Soon we will celebrate Veteran’s Day. Who do you think of when you hear the word “Veteran”? Most of us probably think about the men who served during the conflicts of World War II, the Korean War or the War in Vietnam. But what about the women who served? Or what about those who have served during the time between when the Vietnam War ended and today?
Also, when was the last time you stopped someone in a military uniform to thank them for their service? How often do you look away when you see a homeless vet sitting on the corner asking for help?
Veterans Day is a day to honor those who have served in the past, those who serve today, and those who died in service protecting this great country. One of our Founding Fathers, Thomas Paine, once said, “Those who expect to reap the blessings of freedom must undergo the fatigue of supporting it.” Some of you here today have carried that burden and experienced the fatigue of serving our country in order to bring about peace. At this time, I would like to ask those of you who have served in the military to please stand. (Wait) (Lead Applause)
To you, I say thank you. Thank you for setting the example that has inspired many others to raise their hands to volunteer their service to this great nation. (You may be seated)
Many people think Memorial Day is the official day to honor service members from the various branches of the armed forces, who’ve given their lives in service to the nation. But Veterans Day is the day we recognize not just those who have given their lives in war, but all those who have worn the uniforms of service. Veteran’s Day, above all, gives us the opportunity to remember the choice one makes to serve their country. For some, it meant the world-wide conflict of WWII, or a lifetime of peacekeeping missions, or the tense standoff of the Cold War. For others, it was the jungles of Vietnam or in Korea, Panama, or other conflicts in which our military men and women have served over the years. And of course, we can’t forget that today, for many, serving in the military means multiple tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, on active duty or as reservists, or as National Guard members who sacrifice twice when they give up their civilian jobs in order to serve our country.
The service members we honor on Veterans Day come from all walks of life, but they share several important qualities. They possess courage, pride, determination, selflessness, dedication to duty, and integrity – all the qualities needed to serve a cause larger than one’s self.
Many of them didn’t ask to leave their homes to fight on distant battlefields. Many didn’t even volunteer. They didn’t go to war because they loved fighting. They went because they felt called to be part of something bigger than themselves. They were ordinary people who responded in extraordinary ways in extreme times. They rose to our nation’s call because they wanted to protect a country which has given them so much.
Since the Revolutionary War began, millions of American men and women have been answering the nation’s call to duty. These Americans have fought and died on battlefields here and around the world in order to defend our freedom and way of life. Today our troops continue to make the ultimate sacrifices and, even as we lose troops, more Americans are willing to step forward and say, “I’m ready to serve”. They follow in the footsteps of generations of fine Americans.
To honor them for their bravery, many Soldiers have been awarded medals, had their names added to monuments and had buildings named for them. But nothing can ever replace the void left by a fallen service member, and no number of medals and ribbons can comfort the ones left behind.
As members of the 4th Degree (the Patriotic order of the Knights of Columbus), it is our duty to make sure our Veterans are not forgotten. We must honor and pay gratitude to those who have served, and continue to serve, our country.
By serving those who served, we are saying “we remember”. From the Soldiers who shivered and starved through the winter at Valley Forge to those crouched in the muddy trenches of France to the platoon who patrolled the jungles of Vietnam and the young man or woman patrolling the mountains of Afghanistan, we remember and honor them all.
Just as it would be difficult for our country to defend itself without our Veterans, it would be difficult for the Catholic Church to defend itself without the Knights of Columbus.
The uniform does not make the organization. We, the men of the Knights of Columbus, make the organization.
May God Bless our Veterans and may God Bless the United States of America!
Vivat Jesus!
Bryant R. Sayers, PSD
Arizona District Master
U.S. Army (RET) |
