Two nights ago I watched Saving Private Ryan. It wasn’t easy. Watching war movies for me never is. But I felt compelled to do so as a personal way to reflect on the meaning of Veterans Day and pay homage to our veterans.
For those of you who haven’t seen it, the movie is an emotional and graphic depiction of WWII with a message that delves deeper than the horror of war. The main character, Captain Miller, played by Tom Hanks, dies in the final battle and his last words to Private Ryan (played by Matt Damon) are “earn this.” The movie ends with Ryan (as an older man) visiting the grave of Miller at Omaha Beach (with his wife and grandkids) reflecting on his life.
“Earn this.” Those words really impacted me.
“This” being the sacrifice. “This” being the tragedy and misery of war …the fact that others died not only so that Ryan could return home alive, but so that we as a country could remain free.
I thought to myself, if I were Ryan, could I look back on my life and honestly say, “I’ve earned this.” Could I reflect on the actions of my day, year or life, and be worthy of the sacrifices of those who fought for me and my country?
So, as we celebrate this Veterans Day, we need to think about what we have done with the peace that our veterans fought and died for. Are we truly deserving of this tremendous gift? More importantly, how can we honor those who died by how we live?
Patriotism and honoring our veterans is more than just waving a flag, attending a Veterans Day ceremony, or giving to a veteran related charity. It’s about how we live our lives. It ‘s how we serve in our communities, support our families, and deal with our co-workers. It’s in the everyday things we do…behind the scenes…that no one ever sees. This is how we can truly “earn this.”
If we want to thank the veterans who have fought for our country, the best way to do so is by being type of Americans worth fighting for.
Today, and every day, I’m proud to be an American.
Thanks for the reminder Rob and please accept my most humble and heartfelt thanks, as well as those from my team members at Self Regional Healthcare in Greenwwod, SC. We are still talking about your visit here a couple of years ago and believe it or not, “checking eacjh others sixes.” Thanks for the inspirational emails and for all of the work you do.
God Bless you and the rest of the Heroes fo the United States Military.
Bobby Cox, RT
Self Regional Healthcare Radiology Team
Waldo: I to am a patriot and on this special day reserved for celabrating our service men and women, I would like to thank you for your service and providing the blanket of freedom under which I have lived this wonderful life in America!
Waldo, thank you for helping us to understand how to best honor the veterans who have given and sacrificed so much. We honor them by never taking for granted the freedoms we enjoy.
Really appreciate the kind words Paul. Proud to be your wingman!
Waldo
Hi Bobby – I remember my mission with your Self Regional Wingmen very well. Thanks for the note and for your service to those with broken wings.
Waldo
good words Mace! Look forward to seeing you at a future NSA event and will let you know when Im in your neck of the woods. Waldo
I could not agree more. Every time I watch that movie I think about my father and uncles who served in WW II and how they enlisted at the age of 17 and dealt with all the tragedies of war and never once complained about the sacrifices they made.
Thanks for reminding me of this on veterans day.
The greatest generation Greg. All the best. Waldo
Your words were very inspirational! Thank you for your service.
Hey Waldo,
Giving heartfelt praise and thanks to all of you who have chosen to serve in the manner you have– even though I think war is the greatest waste of talent, energy, focus and lives. I look forward to the time when we have re-imaged the world into one of peace, where all are pulling together for the common goal of lifting up others, and ourselves thereby.
Sending love, PD
I agree Pat…Thanks for sharing.