In Honor

Today apparently all across North America, it is Veteran's Day. I am of the firm belief that all veterans should have today off from work. No matter what they do to earn their living. Everyone else? Should be the workers today.

I spent five peace years in the service - U.S. Marine Corps to be precise. I worked in an office most of the time. My favorite times were when I was working as a WSSI - Water Safety Survival Instructor. Trying to teach people how to survive for long periods of time (without life preserver or life boat) in the water. I am usually very comfortable giving public speeches. Once I was asked how on earth I could be that comfortable. My response has always been related to my experience as a WSSI. Any female who can instruct 100 Marines while wearing only her bathing suit can speak fully dressed in front of absolutely anyone.

My father served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. And to this day he does not speak of it. I know that he bought several sets of bone china while overseas. He worked as a corpsman - and that gave him some skills that really came in handy while we (his children) were young and accident prone. And I know that he served as a corpsman in a max security psych ward. And that has greatly influenced his attitude on mental health/suicide. In passing once, he said that he did not know if he could ever shoot another human - and that was why he chose to be a medic.

For my father. The men he tried to help. And all those who have served their country - no matter which country and no matter in which manner they served.

Today we honor you.