It is a day — A National Holiday — honoring all veterans of the United States Armed Forces, as well as those killed in this country’s wars throughout the years. Its origins are based upon the first anniversary of the 1918 armistice which resulted in the cessation of hostilities in WWI — that “Great War” that was meant to end all wars. Any reading of history should have taught a lesson to all — of the horrors of war and the trauma upon a country for at least a generation. It is well that we all have short memories, lest those memories would remind us and prompt us to pause before embarking into another war.
For those who have served and still serve today, Veterans Day is a special day set aside to celebrate, to remember, to honor. This last word — “honor” — has become an outdated, almost foreign concept these days. To honor is to serve, and to be honored is to have served. It is to esteem and show respect. Very little of that concept seems to have survived in recent years.
A recent WSJ Editorial pointed out that less than 25% of Americans ages 18 – 25 are even eligible for serving in the Armed Forces, either because of obesity or having a criminal history. That is a sad commentary on the state of our population and what it portends for the future defense of this country. Regardless — for this special day of November 11, 2022, let’s take the time to honor all veterans, whether with a salute, a “hoop-and-hurrah”, or raising a cold glass of beer for a fellow veteran in honor of his or her service.
Sincerely,
Robert R. McGill
Lawyer exclusively representing Federal and Postal employees to secure their Federal Disability Retirement benefits under FERS from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management.
OPM Disability Retirement, Et Cetera… 