Veteran's Day Special: It's got a nice ring, tone to it.

Freedom, that is. The answer to the age-old, perennial question, "What's the point, of all this...hoopla, pomp, circumstance, and such?" And the cause for this pause here, for putting the attempts to recess Recess! once and for all, on a short recess itself, in order to pay homage both publicly (i.e., "National Holiday") and in private, the latter being more of a state of reverence. As in revering all those who served, going all the way back to earlier times, those that remained anonymous to us ("tomb of the unknown") as well as those with which we are more intimately familiar.  In both cases, many have passed on, while passing down to U.S. around here more than we could ever repay...

Ring a Bell? When you hear a bell is the thing we have fought for throughout history, at least hear in this "Country 'Tis of Thee" -- does "Liberty" and its close ally, "Freedom" come readily come to mind, like a "conditioned response" in Pavlov's dogs? (could not resist this reflection, given all my psych. training). Or is it only reserved for special occasions, like if you bothered to take the trip to Philly, and see the original which, while sitting idly, remains an iconic symbol of "American Independence..." A type of independence, of course, that did not come without costs, nor did it, while eventuating in the "United States" unite US on every issue, even about what the terms of service, what "every citizen" should be obligated to. Even on which particular day, this particular year, that "Veterans Day" should be formally observed, in that some federal workers, as part of a "observance" received a day off on 11/10 while other corporations are "acknowledging" it on 11/12, and the more "officious" among US will set aside the day I am posting this (while missing the 5:45AM time of signing by about 30 minutes, I am well ahead of the 11AM time it took effect). But whenever, wherever, however, you decide, to honor all those who have served in the armed forces, and regardless of what issues remain amongst US as those so-called "polarizing" topics. Many of which have been with US since the start and all-ways will be, when it comes to things "politico" -- given its strident nature, filled with what's more genially referred to as "spirited disagreements", which long ago could result in duels involving matching weapons, starting with swords and evolving to derringers...originating in "Jolly Ole England" and following US here. It remains a HUGE dispute as to warring, versus peace making nature of man-kind -- but on this day and a few others we formally set aside, lay down arms (i.e., "Armistice") and at least try to harmonize, if not speak with... 

One Voice: A term frequently referring to state of harmony, if not unanimity. Whereas, I am, right here and now, in this limited space and time, not nearly enough to give this whole thing justice, will attempt to express, on behalf of so many Vets I have come in contact with, over the years, while not being able to claim I even deserve their company, will boldly attempt to represent their collective, range of points of view...regarding this whole thing of being of service...

"We didn't ask for this" A response to some of the grander, gestures of grandeur, parades and such, that are arranged on their behalf, usually well after they either signed up (as in enlisted) or answered the "call to duty" (which may have come in the form of being drafted, a process recent generations only read about, perhaps hear about from some of the aging Vietnam Vets...). They will tell you (collectively, based on all my contacts, historical accounts) that they neither started the conflicts that justified them being called into service, nor did they do anything "more than my fellow soldiers would do, under similar circumstances..." As part of shunning what, over the years, has taken many forms, in honor of those who have returned and those we can only pay homage to via memorials. All forms of...

"A Hero's Welcome": While many of US non-vets with the best of intentions, coordinate, "special vents on Veterans Day, resulting in part in all those referred to these daze as "Veterans Day Specials" -- many of which have nothing to do with vets themselves, but just stuff on sale, coinciding with this important day of observance, which many "consumer outlets", retailers...stores figure you might be inclined to at least browse, given so many being off from work. While a few actually reach out, give vets a discount if not a free meal. But truth be told (here I am again assuming I know what's on their collective minds) many, if not most that I have had the high privilege of interviewing about their days they more formally served their country, the sacrifices they made, even the medals they earned...it's not that they don't appreciate all this "hoopla, pomp..." and all these grand gestures. It's just not what they signed up for, expected for, upon return...

"You're Welcome": While these are not the words that issue from most Vets upon hearing the welcome words "Thank you for your service" it's essentially what I hear at the end of almost any interview, when they reflexively respond, "It was an honor to serve my country".   

Upon Their honor, "Let the bells of freedom ring!"