Growing up we were taught to address adults as “Mr.,” “Mrs.,” and “Miss.” It was instilled in us to honor those in positions of authority. Without trying to “hold on to the past,” there are some traditions and forms of manners and courtesy that I’d like to see resurrected in our society. It’s important for our younger generation to understand the importance of honor and respect towards adults, authorities, and even each other. By teaching and training our youth to honor others, they will in turn honor and respect themselves.
The month of May brings a number of opportunities to both learn and teach our young people to honor our veterans. A veteran is a person who served in the active military, naval, or air service and who was discharged or released from service under conditions other then “dishonorable.” These are the men and women who have served their country, allowing us to have the freedoms we enjoy today.
Just as the men and women of the military today, when the need arose, these veterans left their jobs, educational opportunities and even their families to serve this nation. Many have given their life so that we can have the freedom that this country offers.
Having young children myself, I know that if I don’t teach them about honoring our veterans and current military they will have a difficult time appreciating our country and fully learning our rich history. Most people know someone who served in one our countries past wars. There are approximately 25,497,691 living veterans today. One sad statistic is that it is estimated that 33% of the male homeless population are veterans and that 67% served their country for more then three years. War effects people in many ways, and many of our vets were left to themselves and did not receive support from their families.
Honoring our vets brings back a sense of respect, dignity and courage in both those you are honoring as well as yourself. Look around your neighborhood, local grocery store, gas station; you are sure to run into someone who at one time was on the front lines holding fast to the freedom that you enjoy today. Take time to tell them “thanks” for serving. Talk to your child’s teachers. Ask them what they are doing during this month of May to honor the veterans of our community. Visit websites such as www.kidsthankavet.com or www.loveuvets.org for activities to help teach your kids the importance of honor. Let’s get back to the “true” meaning of honor and let the month of May stand as a reminder that this countries citizens are grateful for the sacrifices of the men and women of our community who have given of themselves to serve.