Blog de Puree

Tomorrow is Veteran’s Day. Have you thanked a veteran for his or her service? Whether they’ve served recently or a long time ago, whether they’ve gone to war or were an ever important part of America’s peace-time, military presence, it’s nice to be recognized and appreciated.

In Amesbury, veterans are recognized through a series of flag-like banners placed around town. At the top, it says “21st Century Heroes” and then on alternating red and white lines, it has the names of Amesbury residents who have served their country. And guess who’s name is on one of them?

I was notified by the town’s veteran’s representative, Ron Koontz, that my name was placed on a banner that is on Bridge Road. If you drive over the Merrimac River from Newburyport, just as you come over the bridge, to the right, is a town welcome center. In front of that small building is a banner with my name on it.

We’ve yet to take a picture, but it was gratifying to see my name up there–as a hero no less. I don’t feel like a hero, having served during a time of peace, with small police actions taking place that I never went to. The only battles I fought were the Battle of Boredom in the Mojave Desert during a month of desert warfare training and numerous conflicts with a couple of inept noncommissioned officers. And I can’t begin to compare my service and sacrifice with those of the men and women who are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan with unspeakable physical wounds and mental scars. Their service should be recognized on so many higher levels.

Still, it feels really good to be appreciated.