Another Veterans Day

This is Veterans Day, a holiday we observe to mark the end of World War I honoring our veterans and victims of all wars. This observance replaced Armistice Day in 1954 and is a time for parades and gatherings and speeches.

As a veteran myself I don't really observe the day as vigorously as I should ... when I was a patient in the hospital in Key West, Florida having my appendex removed between the 7th and 8th grades I saw first hand the injuries suffered by our military people as the result of the gunshot wounds and other infirmities of warfare.

Nonetheless I try to mark this day in honor of those I saw in the throes of critical injury as the result of their service in Viet Nam being treated there in the ward of that hospital at Boca Chica Naval Air Station on Stock Island (Racoon Key) so long ago during my childhood.

You would think that these memories would have made me a much better serviceman that I was ... however I was pretty slack even by my own standards. However, in my old age this has converted my attitude to one of respect for those doing their military service.

Though not a life I would particularly choose, I endorse those efforts of people who do with the utmost appreciation and respect.