By Lt. Colonel Tony Traficante, U.S. Army, Ret.
Lest we forget…
Each year we set aside a day to remember and honor our Veterans, the military members who are currently serving, and our fallen and missing comrades. We must never forget our military heroes, regardless of their status.
It is not that this group of individuals deserves more special treatment than any other group; heck, their paychecks certainly don’t support that, however, they deserve the respect they are entitled to as defenders of our nation.
Veterans are everyday people. They left their families, their homes and their friends — not for recognition, or fame or even for honors. In years past, those joining the U.S. Army were conscripted; today our Armed Forces consist mostly of volunteers. They were young men and women who joined as teens at an average age of about 19 years. For some, it would be their first time leaving home.
Too often, the stories of our Veterans and the lengths to which they went to defend our country are forgotten. Very few of us fully understand the life of a service member. Worse yet, we do not realize the dangers they face daily. We cannot feel the loneliness, fear and anxiety of the families back home who await their return.
Once in, they go through the most intense training. The drills, exercises and field maneuvers during basic are physically and mentally challenging, and exhausting. They are geared to build character, discipline and teamwork. They know someday they may be forced to take a life, only to save their lives and that of their team members. Combat will be unlike anything they will ever experience in a lifetime!
While we are living in an atmosphere of peace, as we have been, these warriors remain on alert, often in faraway places. For them, the danger lasts forever.
Our Veterans represent a heroic group! They accepted the responsibility of defending our country, and our Allies. They wear their uniforms proudly, and they do what must be done. They come not for the glory, but to keep the peace and protect those at home. Unfortunately, there are those who will make the ultimate sacrifice.
For years, our courageous Veterans have stood in harm’s way to defend the nation and protect our cherished liberties. Through wars and peace, the destiny of our country was in their hands, and they did not fail us!
I am a Veteran, and I’m proud of it. I served my country for 23 years. Serving my country, especially in combat, was a life-changing experience. The military taught me commitment, dedication, honor and discipline. I am not a hero, but I have had the honor of walking among a few!
One of my first assignments, as a young junior lieutenant, was to serve the hero of Pork Chop Hill, Captain Joe Clemons, as an artillery officer. I am honored to have served my country, to have been a part of such a great tradition, and grateful to have served alongside brothers in arms.
Veterans Day was set aside by the people to honor these brave Americans who served our country, giving us peace. Although this special day is intended for the living Veterans, we must not forget the honorable and brave of the past.
It’s a day not only for Veterans but for all Americans. We have an obligation to honor these ordinary, but remarkable citizens for their tremendous sacrifices and bravery.
Let us never forget them.
Join us and become a member of Italian Sons and Daughters of America today.
