Medal of Honor

This Thursday, November 11, is Veterans Day. Some people observe it, some people get a day off because of it and some people really dont know what to do with it. Many mistakenly understand this holiday as recognizing those who served in war but this day is about peacetime and wartime. Its about duty, honor, service and being prepared regardless of the worlds circumstances.

What it Isn't
• Doesnt specifically recognize any single war/conflict
• Doesn't distinguish between peacetime and war
• Isn't about those who died any more than those who live(d)
• Isn't a uniquely United States recognition (It's called Armistice Day in Europe)

What it Is
• A time for people to note veterans and the contributions both on and off the battlefield.
• A time for appreciating those who stood watch in peacetime, and even today stand firm in war.

How can YOU recognize Veterans Day?
Thanking those that currently serve or have served - For those currently serving, thank them for standing watch and for the protection they provide in the name of your freedom and security. Thank a parent, sibling or child of these men and women for the sacrifice that THEY bear in the name of our freedom. Consider all the veterans around you or better yet ask your coworkers who has served, it may surprise you. Ask about their time, what they've seen or experienced and what Veterans Day means to them.

Thanking those we've lost - Attend a service, place a flag, stand and put your hand over your heart when the flag passes at the parade for it carries the spirit of the price that was paid. Again recognize the family members who have lost a member in service. Remembering that in the pain that they may feel, your thanks may be the difference in knowing that their loss means something more to someone other than them alone.

Veterans are all around you, they've served for a short time or full careers, in a time of peace and in a time of unspeakable wartime horror. They are people you'd expect or a braveness of character that comes wrapped in the skin of someone you'd least imagine.

If you know of a veteran, you can simply say 'Thank you for your service'. While this unassuming phrase may seem empty or awkward, to one who has served, knowing what they did is appreciated and recognized by others is a great feeling.

Veterans Day Actions
Say thanks online! This Thursday play online with a veteran. We are gathering veteran military gamers to get online and play Medal of Honor and recognize individuals. As a military gamer add your name to a list of veterans who will be gaming on Veterans Day so that others can recognize your service and join you online as the community says thanks. Signup and those veterans who volunteer will be in the running for some additional Medal of Honor 'thanks' in the form of some game SWAG for your time and your service. For all soldiers, past and present, a sign up form can be found here.
 
If you're able and willing, consider donating a few dollars to a veteran charity organization. There are countless organizations and any one is a worthy cause if it assists our troops. This year I am proud to be a part of and support Project Valour-IT through Soldiers Angels. If you ever get a chance to be around a veteran who carries the physical scars of service you can hopefully appreciate that any help making these uniquely "ABLE" disabled troops is a worthy cause.
 
Project Valour-IT, in memory of SFC William V. Ziegenfuss, helps provide voice-controlled/adaptive laptop computers and other technology to support Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Marines recovering from hand wounds and other severe injuries. 

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