Words like “veteran” and “soldier” feel increasingly loaded these days (no pun intended). They’re often invoked as a kind of litmus test to establish one’s political bona fides. Some backers of our current president use phrases like “Support our troops” as a means of drawing a line in the sand.
To these folks, if you’re not in favor of the military actions in Iraq or Afghanistan (or, these days, the idea of invading Iran), you’re not just disagreeing with George W. Bush, you’re spitting in the face of the men and women who selflessly enlist to defend our country from evil. You’re “against the troops”—a notion so ridiculous I wouldn’t even address it, if it weren’t for the fact that millions of people apparently subscribe to it.
In this atmosphere, wishing someone a happy Veterans Day can feel like throwing down a gauntlet. Fortunately, in my experience, there are plenty of folks who refrain from dragging veterans into such rhetorical mud pits, preferring instead to focus on the welfare and well-being of those who’ve served their country.
People like my father, Lt. Col. Robert Moreau (retired). My dad is active in his local chapter of the Special Forces Association, and he takes great pride in honoring not himself, but vets he’s never met. He still gets misty every time Lee Greenwood’s “God Bless the USA” comes on the radio, and while I may not share his musical tastes, I can’t help but admire his dedication to an ideal larger than himself, and his and his colleagues’ work on behalf of their brethren. Last February, as it does every year, his chapter invited several troops recently returned from active duty to ride with them in a major Mardi Gras parade. Without fail, the honorees are exposed to cheering throngs of grateful parade-goers, and are clearly overwhelmed by the experience. Dad gripes good-naturedly each year about the long hours and the strain on his back. But while he might never come out and say so, I know it’s the highlight of his year.
Sure, I’m proud of my dad, but I don’t mention him here out of nepotism. There are thousands, maybe even millions, just like him. When I say “Happy Veterans Day,” I’m not issuing an invitation to a partisan debate. I’m merely following my dad’s example in putting aside politics, and everything else that doesn’t matter, and offering simple thanks for those who voluntarily place themselves in harm’s way on our behalf.