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Forget for a moment the reality of current conflicts around the world. Forget about ones from the past.
Think instead about sipping a Pumpkin Spice Latte or taking a walk through Seneca Park arrayed with leaves representing the vivacious colors of fall. Pumpkin pie is in the near future as Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner.
All this is an example of how many Americans live comfortable lives with much to take for granted and even more to look forward to.
Still, many people often become frustrated so easily daily nuisances, forgetting how petty those things are in light of the thousands of troops giving their lives to defend our country every day.
Troops have temporarily given up their comfort and peace, not knowing whether they will ever regain it. They are serving for an end goal, without the knowledge to whether it will ever actually be accomplished. The goal is peace, and most troops probably feel the purpose is good, and they feel it has to be done, and therefore they step up to sacrifice for each of us.
Still, Veterans’ Day seems to lack the awe it once drew. It may be because people feel they should quietly appreciate the day, or sadly it could be due to a simple lack of appreciation. That may be the case, since even trivial holidays are marked with decorations and fun.
So maybe it’s time for a change, a visit to the past, when veterans and their special day meant more.
Tara Teeter is a senior majoring in communication. E-mail her at tteeter@louisvillecardinal.com.
