Honoring The Fallen, The Brave

 As an unknown author once wrote, “What the heart has once known, it shall never forget.”  Veterans’ Day: a memorial to the past, the present, and the future, but mostly a commemoration to the men and women who serve; for the men and women who fight to provide citizens with a free country.            

            This day of commemoration is one that should be remembered and honored, yet how does Bloomsburg University commemorate?  How do you remember the lives of those men and women who have fought, and continue to fight, so that you may have your freedom?

            The question may be tough to face.  It is easy for students to concern themselves with the exam scheduled for tomorrow, or the party they will be attending over the weekend.  However, students rarely remember that their peers and generations past, have gone overseas to dodge bullets and car bombs, so they will not have to worry whether it will be safe to go to school.

            Perhaps the guilt of others dying for our freedom is too much for students to comprehend, or maybe it is the sadness at the thought of a loved one overseas; whatever it may be that keeps students from remembering, they must let go for this one day and remember that we are the lucky ones.  I am the lucky one for being able to write this from the comfort of my bedroom and not hidden in a bunker.  You are the lucky one for being able to go to parties this weekend and enjoy the company of your friends, not trying to fend off foreign enemies.  We are the lucky ones; the ones who are able to call ourselves free because of what others sacrifice.             Lee Hardin, a graduate student of the Instructional Technology program and an Army veteran has this to say about his experience and sacrifice overseas: “When I was 21, all my friends were at the bars in Bloomsburg, about to   celebrate their senior year in college while I was training for six months straight   to go overseas. When I was 22, all my friends were graduating from Bloomsburg,       while I was being shot at almost on a daily basis on the other side of the world.     While they were celebrating holidays with their families, I counted how many holidays I missed and how many of my friends had been killed while I was    overseas. When all of my friends were getting their first "real" job at some entry level position, I became a 22-year old Sergeant, in charge of six men who were all older than me, yet gave me respect while seeking my guidance because of what I have seen.”

            Enlistment is not necessary, but please, if you do anything on November 11, remember the courageous citizens who serve this country so that you may live a better life.  More so, thank them for their service and dedication to this country.  This obligation of commemoration does not fall to students alone.  It seems to be challenging for nearly everyone to forget about themselves and pay attention to those who are fighting for our freedom.  These men and women sacrifice their own political beliefs to abide by orders given by a President millions of miles away.  Where is the Veterans’ Day commemoration held on Bloomsburg University’s campus?  How much do we as a University really honor veterans?

            Maggie O’Neil, a senior at Bloomsburg University says, “I think we should have off, because the University should honor the veterans.  They should put a list of those students who have served in the paper and maybe have a ceremony honoring those veterans.”  It would not take much for members of the University, both students and faculty, to pay tribute to the men and women on this campus, yet for some reason we do not.  The blame falls to no one but us.  It is easy to say the University should start a program of commemoration, but instead of complaining and waiting for a change, make the change yourself.            

            All it takes is a little initiative, guidance, and hope for one person to put a program in place which will remember hundreds of veterans that will walk the halls of Bloomsburg University, an honor they deserve.  Think if veterans had waited for change to happen instead of taking action, who knows where our country would be today.  Do not underestimate the power you have.  Honoring veterans does not have to be extravagant, but thank those men and women who have served for your freedom, who have fought overseas so you do not have to fight for your life here.  Do not wait until Veterans’ Day to thank those who fight for you.

            Hardin notes: “Though Veterans Day is a nice gesture to have for our troops who have done so much that our country does not even know about, so many people forget about it.  Even though a Soldier, Marine, Sailor, or Airman may receive a thank you on Wednesday, the other 364 days of the year they are often forgotten about. When I am at the mall or Walmart, and I run into someone wearing a hat saying, "Retired Army" or "Vietnam Vet," I personally take 3 minutes of my day to say hello and just chat a little bit while waiting in line to pay for my stuff. You would be surprised how 3 minutes can really make someone's day.”

                        This year, please make Veterans’ Day a distinguished part of your year, but moreover, please make every day a commemoration to veterans.  Honor those that serve, memorialize the men and women who fight for your freedom, and lastly pay tribute to our heroes.