I have a new perspective this Veterans Day.
I am so thankful for all those who have given their service to our country over the decades and those that continue to serve.
However, this year I have realized there are many Veterans from all over the world who fought and died for their countries and perhaps they weren’t on the winning side of things. This includes my wonderful husband Patrick who was conscripted and fought in the Rhodesian Army. Sadly there isn’t much fanfare for those who fought in small wars in their home countries that many people may have never heard of.
I feel all who love who have fought for their countries should be honored and remembered.
We might not appreciate or understand why countries have chosen to be the aggressor in many of the wars the US has been involved in but those on the other side also made sacrifices and sacrificed and represent bravery, loyalty, commitment, and service.
Until recently I really only thought American and Allied soldiers deserved my respect; naively thinking enemies would never gain my respect.
However, after spending a week with a WWII German Vet from the Wehrmacht, the German Army, Rudolf, “ Rudi”Porsche I realize there is much respect to be given.
Traveling with Rudi during our tour of the Hurtgen Forest I realized he has carries pain, remorse, and sadness for all those who died in his homeland, from all sides of the war, American soldiers, his comrades and the tragic loss of civilians.
The opportunity to walk alongside Rudi as we visited The American War Cemetery and Memorial Netherlands in Margraten gave me insight into the heaviness that so many carry without even a word being spoken.
This year I am thinking about Veterans Day with a new and deep connection.
I salute all those who have served their countries with bravery and loyalty.