Today I spent Veteran's Day like many people spend federal holidays: I went to a few stores holding Veteran's Day sales, and ate lunch out. There are many people honoring the day in special and more pertinent ways. I was really thinking about how special a day this truly is for all of the people who serve our country. And I thought about all of the people who have given their lives for our freedom. Our country is a really special one, and it troubles me how divided we've become. It really boils down to mutual respect. We're all entitled to opinions and ideals but when we close our minds completely, we lose a part of ourselves in the process. I can't help but recall the unity we all seemed to share after our nation was attacked in 2001. It's a shame that sometimes it takes a tragedy to bring people together, but tragedies can also separate people, on a large and/or smaller scale.
I am grateful for those who are serving and have served our county, and I am glad there is a day called Veteran's Day to recognize them. Today, I thank retired Coast Guard Captain, Roger Smith, for his dedication to his job. He tried for years to have safety policies changed on a small, but important island in the Pacific. He truly believes, had his ideas been activated for Catalina Island, that there's a good chance Natalie Wood could still be with us today. (Had anyone paid attention to Roger's safety issues, he would've been stationed a football field's distance away from where Natalie went overboard and he would've heard the off-frequency first radio call placed at 1:30 AM, and Marilyn Wayne would've reached Two Harbors instead of Avalon with her phone call.)
To the Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard and anyone serving to protect us as a nation and individually... Happy Veteran's Day, and Thank You!
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Yes, thank you to all of our military and to Roger Smith. It is gratifying to know that there are those who serve with integrity, courage and try to make a difference even in the face of powerful obstacles. You are all part of what makes the American character great.
ReplyDeleteThat was a very nice tribute, Marti. I also am grateful to all of the men and women who ever served our great country. It is extremely humbling to think of all they have given. Some of my family members have served, and that makes me proud.
ReplyDeleteOn a different note, it is heartbreaking to realize what Roger Smith tried to accomplish. I can also understand how difficult it is to work in a large system and to voice concerns and be dismissed (or worse).