Thank You, Soldier!

The shocking killings at Fort Hood last week bring special meaning to Veterans Day this year (Nov. 11). With the slaying and wounding of soldiers on the Texas base, allegedly by a military doctor who sympathized with terrorists, we are reminded that our nation’s “veterans” are not only the old men who fought in wars long ago and far away. They are also men and women in our midst, who serve us bravely each day that we live in freedom in America.

It is time to say “Thank you, Soldier.” “Thank you, Sailor.”

I grew up during the turmoil and aftermath of the Vietnam years, when my older brother was mocked and spat at by adults while wearing his ROTC uniform on the way to school. It was trendy to be anti-war, but the larger part of the American people knew then, and still know now, that sometimes fighting is necessary. Even “peaceniks” have not wanted to live with the full effects of their pacifism, as they benefit from our country’s freedoms.

War is unavoidable when an enemy brings the battle to your shores, as in the events of 9/11.

Ideally, according to the just war teachings of the Catholic Church, war is an act of justice. It is waged to protect the innocent, defend nations, preserve civilization – to stop the unjust aggressor who will not respond to negotiation or pleas for peace.

But war is always a form of hell, for those who fight it and those who are caught in it. As the Catechism of the Catholic Church wisely states, “All citizens and all governments are obliged to work for the avoidance of war.” Yet “governments cannot be denied the right to lawful self-defense, once all peace efforts have failed.” (CCC 2308).

We live in difficult times for war. The destructive magnitude of our weapons, and the almost sure prospect that civilians will be killed in battle, should make a sane world proclaim with Pope Paul VI “war no more.” Yet sanity or common sense do not always prevail on the world stage. And some nations, acting in what they may see as a just cause with just means, endanger the citizens or sovereignty of other nations. The result is war. In this “vale of tears,” war is unavoidable and sometimes even predictable, so we better be prepared for it as a matter of justice and self-defense.

Thus, we have Veterans Day as a national holiday. This is a day of Remembrance for the sacrifices of those who went before us, from the time of the American Revolution to this day, when we mourn especially the victims of the Fort Hood massacre.

Take time to say "thank you" to the soldier or sailor in your life: your grandfather, your father, your brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces or nephews, who may have served or are now serving in the military. As we learned from the events of last week, those who wear the uniform are targets these days, even on their own home bases. They sacrifice their safety when they sign up to serve. We who benefit from their efforts owe them a heartfelt salute.

Comments

[MG Gannon]

Brendan returned home from Afghanistan on this past Wednesday, so we have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. He and his fellow soldiers were horrified at the treatment of women in Afghanistan - beating, kicking, etc. Truly a shock for them.

[www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000040247874]

As retired Air Force, I would like thank and honor all the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who fight and defend our great country for few rewards but for pride and passion that is as deeply seated as the Faith we all carry within us as Knights. I'm very proud of this generation and the traditions they carry out. Salutes are in order to everyone of them along with prayers the return safely to their families.

[Richard Joseph]

My son just returned from one year in Afghanistan so for me this is a Veterans I will always remember. I've told many people in the last couple weeks that he has returned and most all say "tell him thanks for his service".

[Sgt. Ballman]

Re: Thank a Veteran for Your Freedom

You are welcome. Peace.
Sgt (Retired) David Ballman, CD
26 years in the CF.
Gulf War Vet 1991

[Annmae]

Thank you again for writing yet another great article. My brother and his wife are actually stationed at Fort Hood, so the tragedy of last week hit close to home.

They are safe, but they are facing deep repercussions. I appreciate you honoring Veterans Day, especially in the midst of recent events.

God Bless,

[Mark V]

Thank you for this message. My father passed away last year and he fought in 2 wars. Your message is appropo at this time.

[Pat L]

I try and make it a point to shake as many hands as I can of men and women in uniform when I see them. I recommend that to anyone it is a good feeling when you walk away.
Many thanks and blessings go out to all who served to protect us past and present.

[Justin]

Many salutes to my father, who signed up for WWII right from high school because he believed in the American way.

Thanks, Dad!