Veterans Day is about people, not about policy, politics

Frontiersman editorial boaord

Maybe you're enjoying a day off today. Maybe you had to work, but you've planned to do something to celebrate Veterans Day. Many people will simply let Veterans Day pass without much thought, whether they're working or not. This is one of those days that editors and editorial staffs often break out the old standby editorial or column. Election day is like that. Memorial Day is like that. There are plenty of others.

It seems we feel compelled to write a Veterans Day editorial that implores people to not just hang out and watch TV all day. We demonstrate our patriotism by demanding that others spend at least part of the day showing their gratitude to our veterans. We must admit that those words often ring hollow, though. Many times, those editorials carry no more significance than the many people who remove their caps during the national anthem, not because they want to, but because they feel compelled to.

You can spend Veterans Day however you like.

The Frontiersman editor is a veteran. Many of his friends are still serving, and some of those are in harm's way. He'll think about them at some point today -- as he thinks about them at some point just about every day. Sometimes he's proud of them, because they're doing something they believe is right, and they're risking much to do it. Often, he's just worried about them, because he knows the risk is real -- he knows he may never see some of them again.

Some people will choose not to acknowledge this day, because they do not agree with the war in Iraq, or because they are opposed to any war on principal. It is important to remember that this is not War Day. This is not Foreign Policy Day. This day is not about a concept or an ideal or a policy. It's about people. It's about your brother or sister. It's about your neighbor or your neighbor's son or daughter. It's about nieces and nephews and young people who were simply looking for a legitimate escape from poverty. It's about men and women who are risking much out of a sense of duty and commitment, and it doesn't matter today whether or not you agree with what they've been asked to do.

What we're acknowledging today is the fact that they are willing to do what they have been tasked with, whether it is popular or not -- indeed, whether they believe in it or not themselves. Every veteran is a part of that legacy, and each of them deserves our thoughts and our thanks. This is a day you can unburden yourself from your politics and thank some dedicated people who would be willing to fight and die for your right to espouse your beliefs.

Thank you, veterans.