A Gladstone Veteran's Reflection on Gratitude and Misconceptions

 

GOD OF WAR

As the nation commemorates Veteran's Day, we pause to honor and remember the men and women who have selflessly served our great nation. However, the expressions of gratitude can sometimes evoke a complex mix of emotions for those who have returned from the front lines. Some times I grow annoyed with those who constantly thank me for my time in Afghanistan. They don't get it. 

Accepting gratitude for military service is not always a straightforward matter, as I reflect on the nuances of appreciation. I have always felt uneasy accepting gratitude for my service. The discomfort arises from the well-intentioned yet sometimes misguided thanks extended by individuals who may not fully grasp the intricacies of a veteran's experience.

In a poignant encounter with a barista, an art student at the KC Art Institute, I found myself at the intersection of good intentions and misunderstanding. The barista, upon learning of the my military background, expressed a desire to avoid potentially triggering language related to warfare, such as "battle," "minefield," and "IED." In a gesture of genuine consideration, the barista apologized for any unintentional distress caused in the past and sought guidance on more suitable terminology.

However appreciative of the sentiment, I couldn't help but feel that the attempt to shield myself from potentially distressing terms missed the mark. With a wry sense of humor, I responded, "Thank you for being considerate, but nah dude, you got veterans all wrong." He was totally sincere, but a product of our asinine education system. This brief exchange encapsulates the broader challenge of bridging the gap between civilians and military personnel in the realm of understanding and communication.

 But I made it back home. I deserve no thanks. I wish I was still there, I have never felt more alive than I did on that mountainside in Afghanistan, surrounded by brothers. I have no glory, having never experienced a beautiful death, haunted by those who have made the ultimate sacrifice, death. Only they deserve our thanks. The veteran emphasizes a crucial distinction—that those who return home alive, deserve no special thanks, no special treatment. Instead, I redirects the focus to those who made the ultimate sacrifice, emphasizing that gratitude is most rightfully directed toward the fallen heroes, representing diverse backgrounds, communities, and walks of life, all shared a common purpose—to protect and defend the land we call home.

This serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding expressions of gratitude for military service. It urges society to delve deeper into understanding the veteran experience, acknowledging the fine line between well-intentioned gestures and the nuanced reality of life after deployment. As we honor our veterans on this day, let us strive for a more profound appreciation that goes beyond mere words and recognizes the depth of sacrifice and service rendered by those who have worn the uniform.