Those of us who have not worn the uniform will never fully comprehend the range of emotions that you veterans will feel tomorrow on the day that the whole nation pauses to honor you. We can only pray that your pride will match our gratitude.
You are our sons and daughters, mothers and fathers, family members, school mates, friends and neighbors, employers and employees. You may sit next to us in church or attend a different church, you may belong to our clubs or belong to clubs we would not choose to be associated with, you may share our political party affiliation or a wear a different button, you may stand with us at Tea Party rallies or attend OWS protests instead, you may cheer for the Packers or perhaps the Bears. We will even forgive you for that – but only tomorrow.
Most of you chose to give up your liberty to serve your country; you volunteered to join the military. You sacrificed years of your lives, time with your loved ones, your own safety, and in many cases your health, so that we could live free. You answered the call; you did not leave it to someone else to defend the freedoms that we all hold dear. No one hates war as much as a war-fighter, yet many of you volunteered to return to combat on multiple tours.
I have no idea how many Americans will read this post, or how many of you are veterans. But I know that every single one of the former wants to say this to every single one of the latter:
Thank you. Thank you for your service.
We remember with respect the soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen who were denied by death the opportunity to return to civilian life, as well as those who returned broken, either in body, mind or spirit. The honor of military service does not end with discharge and neither do our obligations to veterans and their families.
And what too many veterans need now from us is a job. I urge my fellow employers to seek out veterans, as well as current members of Guards and Reserves, for openings we have in our companies. It is not charity; these are men and women of character and commitment with a demonstrated ability to work and lead in teams to achieve goals. You want these folks on your side.
They have given it all up for us, and now it is our turn to repay the favor. On this Veterans Day, I would like every Chief Executive to walk down to his/her HR department and ask them what they have done this past year to hire veterans. And if they give you that 2nd Lieutenant salute, then go all CEO on them – you will feel good about it, trust me. And you will upgrade the talent in your organization.
“Thank you” is nice, and we should all say that to every veteran we meet tomorrow; but what many would rather hear is “you’re hired.” Let’s see if we can do both. Happy Veterans Day to all my veteran friends – you are too many to list, but you know who you are, and you know how we all feel about you. God Bless You.
“Moment Of Clarity” is a weekly commentary by Libertarian writer and speaker Tim Nerenz, Ph.D. Visit Tim’s website http://www.timnerenz.com to find your moment.
MOMENT OF CLARITY 
November 11, 2011 at 12:35 |
As a Human Resources person, I can tell you that nothing brings me more pride and happiness than being able to hire a veteran. I have hired many, and they always wind up being our best employees…I don't think that's a coincidence.
November 11, 2011 at 04:34 |
Your welcome Dr. Tim…. and I agree…. I saw some wet behind the ears kids, become competent and mature individuals while they served their country. An employer would do well to seek them out and to put them on his team.
November 10, 2011 at 20:51 |
It's was my honor to serve. Thanks for remembering. Maxwell, USN
November 10, 2011 at 19:04 |
"Those of us who have not worn the uniform will never fully comprehend the range of emotions that you veterans will feel tomorrow on the day that the whole nation pauses to honor you. We can only pray that your pride will match our gratitude."