Can and should we Celebrate Veterans Being Home For The Holidays?

COL Mikel J. Burroughs — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 09:15:56 -0500

This is one of those old posts that I place out here in the early days back in 2015 and since then Doug MacDonald has passed away. May he rest in peace.

Check out this video provided by a great Civilian Supporter Doug Macdonald and his article below! Save this one on your desktop - great song and tribute to our veterans! Send to a friend or a veteran that could use some cheer!

Seek To Understand.

https://youtu.be/hhdBbeZ1cYA

While too many of our veterans are spending this month protecting our freedom to celebrate the holidays, remembering them and their families sacrifices during this joyous season is the greatest gift you can give. Let us not forget the majority of veterans who will celebrate this holiday season with their families here at home. While their smiles are for their family & friends, they never forget.

How many holidays did they spend away from family and friends? They remember every one. That feeling of separation from the ones you love, especially during the holidays, you never forget.

Families and friends of veterans, take extra time this holiday season to be understanding of our veterans that are transitioning or have successfully transitioned here at home. While this time of year can be joyous for veterans it can also be a reminder of holidays missed.

As a civilian survivor of post-traumatic stress, I remember every holiday I spent in the hospital, 3 to be exact, as they amputated my legs piece by piece. This time of year reminds me of holidays missed, so I try to focus on celebrating each and every day of the holiday season with family and friends and leave the past as memories.

We will never forget. Times of year can be triggers we have to be aware of and it's all right to remember but not to dwell on. "Why look back? That's not the direction you are going".

Have a joyous holiday season. One day at a time. Thank you, to veterans and their families, for all you have done and will do.

Doug Macdonald is a contributor at Phase 2 Advantage, an instructional design and publishing company in GA. Doug is an experienced C-Suite Executive retired, Professional Golfer retired and now dedicates his life working with others, to help them through the reintegration process.

Doug has 35 years of experience as a successful entrepreneur and has launched numerous successful startups. You’re invited to connect with Doug on LinkedIn, Amazon, Twitter and by Email.

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Response by LTC Stephen F. made Dec 10 at 2015 9:19 AM

LTC Stephen F. — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 09:19:30 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs we can and should celebrate veterans being home for the holidays. I hope and pray that each service member and veteran is able to either be "home" or communicate with loved ones at home throughout the holiday season.

Response by PO3 Brad Phlipot made Dec 10 at 2015 9:34 AM

PO3 Brad Phlipot — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 09:34:34 -0500

Believing this was a music video I eagerly clicked to watch, the song is so true it left me with tears on my cheeks, thank you for sharing.

Response by SGT Patrick Reno made Dec 10 at 2015 10:43 AM

SGT Patrick Reno — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 10:43:19 -0500

We should celebrate veterans being home every day. That was a great video, never saw it before. Thanks for posting it.

Response by SSG Keith Cashion made Dec 10 at 2015 12:29 PM

SSG Keith Cashion — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:29:38 -0500

We should celebrate our veterans being home for any holiday, as a lot of us know what it is to not be home for those special occasions. The video being a great piece speaks to a lot of veterans and what we go through every day. Am I here in the now or am I still there. There are sights, sounds, smells, etc that one minute you are in the now and somewhere else the next. Some of us function with the pictures flashing in front of our eyes all day, but at the same time have to force ourselves to be in the now. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone.

Response by Doug Macdonald made Dec 10 at 2015 12:57 PM

Doug Macdonald — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 12:57:57 -0500

Mikel,
Thank you for your support during these trying times.

Response by MSgt Curtis Ellis made Dec 10 at 2015 1:50 PM

MSgt Curtis Ellis — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 13:50:16 -0500

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Yes... Especially for those who finally make it home, either carrying the shield... or on it... none should be forgotten! :)

Response by SSG Leo Bell made Dec 10 at 2015 5:00 PM

SSG Leo Bell — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 17:00:46 -0500

Yes we should. It's a special thing when that family member gets to come back and spend time with the family

Response by PO1 William "Chip" Nagel made Dec 10 at 2015 6:00 PM

PO1 William "Chip" Nagel — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 18:00:10 -0500

Of Course!

Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Dec 10 at 2015 10:47 PM

TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA — Thu, 10 Dec 2015 22:47:02 -0500

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Response by TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA made Dec 11 at 2015 12:19 AM

TSgt John Temblador, PI, CIPA — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 00:19:10 -0500

POTUS OBUMA.. Hear this!!!...

Response by Dennis Aubuchon made Dec 11 at 2015 10:44 PM

Dennis Aubuchon — Fri, 11 Dec 2015 22:44:55 -0500

We should celebrate veterans being home not just for the holidays but everyday. All veterans deserve our respect and support.

Response by PVT Karl Goode made Sep 27 at 2018 5:11 PM

PVT Karl Goode — Thu, 27 Sep 2018 17:11:56 -0400

Great video and song. I've never heard it before. Yes we should celebrate this returning home no matter what day. We should also celebrate the soldiers NOT home. Let's keep them and their families in our thoughts and prayers

Response by Sgt Nathan Bryant made Dec 18 at 2019 7:32 PM

Sgt Nathan Bryant — Wed, 18 Dec 2019 19:32:59 -0500

Absolutely

Response by PFC Patricia Jones made Dec 19 at 2019 4:19 AM

PFC Patricia Jones — Thu, 19 Dec 2019 04:19:46 -0500

It should definitely be celebrated! And just to let everyone know, We (Veterans) will "NEVER FORGET" what all Servicemembers give up we've been there!!!