Veterans’ Day

The soldier above all others prays for peace, for it is the soldier who must suffer and bear the deepest wounds and scars of war.  (Douglas MacArthur)

Last year on Veterans’ Day, my husband and I were privileged to attend a moving ceremony in which family members of veterans were able to burn an old “retired” American flag in that person’s memory, and to honor their sacrifice.  While bagpipes solemnly played the notes to “Day is done . . .,” we remembered, with gratitude.

It made me think about what makes a hero or heroine.  My husband is a veteran of the early days of the Vietnam War, and still deals with some of the unique scars that conflict left. But I think no matter how much I respect him for that service, I respect and admire him even more for an attitude he demonstrates that is reflected in the following:  Anyone can slay a dragon, but waking up every morning and loving the world all over again is what makes a real hero.

Maybe that’s something to which we can all aspire.