Legions of Legends, Veterans by the Numbers...Counting Those We counted on 

A pause in the action: As I/we continue to hail, appreciate and extend ourselves in appreciation in whatever manner we can to those who continue to serve us in this persistent pandemic, especially front-liners and those whose lives have been affected by either more exposure or inconvenience by hours of service and/or other forms of sacrifice, I direct this blog, dedicate this particular post to all the military veterans, those who have served US through their service in the United States Armed Forces.

Eleventy: 11/11/11, that is: Major hostilities of World War I were formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 when the Armistice with Germany went into effect. In 1954, with the advocacy of many veteran organizations, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, which is distinct from Memorial Day (a day we celebrate, salute all those who died while serving). Finally, Armed Forces Day, also in May, honors those who are currently serving in the U.S. military. So many to thank, so little time formally set aside. 

Serving Those who served: The "United State Department of Veterans Affairs": is a cabinet level executive branch department of the federal government, charged with providing life-long health care services to eligible military veterans at the 1700 VA centers and outpatient clinics located throughout the country that they signed up to defend and protect, serve. The "American Legion" is the nation's largest wartime veterans service organization aimed at advocating patriotism across the U.S. through a diversity of programs. The "Veterans of Foreign Wars", on the other hand, is the largest and oldest war veterans service organization. The VA works most closely with the American Legion, VFW, Disabled American Veterans, Paralyzed Veterans of America, AMVETS, and Vietnam Veterans of America. Advocacy and service organizations, organized, mobilized to serve those who served, many of whom go underserved... 

45 Ways, at least: "It's the least I could do"...for those who served. "Veterans Support Organizations", for example, a listing on the Web of 45 organizations organized to address various needs of subgroups of military personnel, from A-Z, starting with "American Ex-Prisoners of War" to "Wounded Warrior Project" Just perusing the list provoked a range of somber reflections on the vast numbers, as well as the immensity of issues involved in the care of those who cared enough to serve...even if they weren't among the...

19 Double takes, from virtue to valor: While serving one's country, potentially putting one in harm's way to protect and defend another is always a virtue, there are some acts of valor that have been deemed worthy of special recognition, 167 of them...decorations and medals, listed and ranked by 'precedence', ranging from the top four: "Medal of Honor", "Navy Cross", "Air Force Cross", and "Coast Guard Cross". The "Medal of Honor", also referred to as the "Congressional Medal of Honor" is the only medal the President of the United States is authorized to confer and presents it "in the name of the United States Congress", for extreme acts of heroism, frequently given posthumously. And only one of which was awarded to a woman, Mary Walker, M.D. who was an American abolitionist, prohibitionist, prisoner of war, and surgeon during the Civil War...a medal that was later rescinded and then reinstated by President Carter. And there have been nineteen men who have distinguished themselves at such a high level on two  different occasions. 

Close to home and heart: Although it's been 33 years that we were forced to say an earthly good-bye to my father who served in the Army, specifically in the artillery division, driving enemy troops through France and Germany back to where they originated. And only two weeks ago since my father-in-law, about 82 years after he gained special permission to enter the Navy at an early age, after which he found himself at Pearl Harbor on 12-7-41, exhaled his last earthly breath just two months shy of 99. Typical of the legions who served, when given a heroes welcome, they would simply cite "proud to serve". While staying stateside and not formally a veteran, it was six years ago that we had to bid a sad farewell to our mother, a nurse to many veterans as well as many of us who weren't, throughout our formative years. And one year since our naval hero's wife of 76 years, just two months shy of her 99th, after serving as Rosie the Riveter more than eight decades earlier, also left us in her sleep. 

A legion of legends. So much sacrifice and so little time set aside in their honor. Posting this two days ahead is the least I could do.