Honoring ALL Who Served

JLSA blogger Jessica McAnelly reminds us how our military members and veterans should always be close to our hearts in the Alamo City.

Veterans Day always falls on November 11, the day that formally ended the hostilities of World War I. It is the day set aside to honor and thank ALL who have served in the military for the United States. We will show appreciation for our heroes' contributions, for the sacrifices they made, and for our daily freedom. All around our country, on 11-11-11 at 11 a.m., churches, VFW Halls, schools and civic organizations will be celebrating our veterans and giving thanks to ALL who served.  Flags of red, white, and blue will be hung and pride will be felt throughout our great nation.  Where will you be at 11 today and who will you honor?

When I first started this blog, and was interviewing our fellow Junior League members, I kept asking who they will be honoring,  "Will you be honoring your father, husband, or grandfather, this Veterans Day?" One of our new members, Diane Miller, pointed out to me something wasn't quite right with my question: what about   ALL who served? She's right. What about the great women who have served our country? We should not forget the women who have served their country in the armed forces. Diane mentioned they might be our next-door neighbors, a mother from a playgroup we have joined, our sisters, cousins, a high school classmate, or even a Junior League of San Antonio member.

Diane, who spent six years serving in the Air Force, says, "I had the privilege and honor of knowing many a woman who sacrificed time taking care of their own needs, and time with their children and husbands to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. Most of these women even had mothers that served in the military." She continued, "I feel confident in saying that as a female, and a veteran, I am proud of my time in the military."

In 2007, the VA estimated that there would be 1.8 million female veterans by 2010. That is a humbling statistic when I think about how blessed I am to spend the holidays with my loved ones this year, while others, mothers, fathers, sons and daughters may be spending their holidays on the front lines for United States of America!

On Veterans Day, spend time honoring not only your own loved one connected to the military but  ALL who have served our country and remember to honor the men and women veterans who have sacrificed so much for us!

Thank you so much, Diane, for your service. We honor you and thank you for your insight and for making our community a better place.