My Veterans Day - One Veteran's View.

2016-11-11T10:35:45-05:00

Veterans Day. What is that all about? “Veterans Day is an official United States federal holiday that is observed annually on November 11, honoring people who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, also known as veterans.” (Wikipedia)

But why do we honor veterans? I’m not going to go into all the whys and wherefores, history or national intent. I’m going to tell you about my Veterans Day.

Veterans Day is highly personal to me. I’m a 30 year, decorated and combat wounded retired Marine Corps Sergeant Major. A veteran – of multiple wars, operations and conflicts.

My dad (Gerrit) is a 30 year, decorated Air Force Chief Master Sergeant, with service spanning from the Korean War era, through the Cold War (which wasn’t so cold for him and many others), Vietnam War era, and beyond. A veteran.

3 of his 4 brothers also served in the military (Henry and Dick - Army Air Corps / Air Force, and Bob - Navy). They were veterans.

His father, my grandfather (Henry) – an immigrant, served his new country in the Army during WWI, and in the Navy in WWII. A veteran.

I come from a family with a history of service to our nation. My other grandfather (Andy) on my mother’s side, was not a veteran, but he also served, in a civilian (intelligence) capacity during WWII. Yeah, that’s great Kuiken. You’re a veteran. So were generations of your family before you. So what? You chose that life, what does that have to do with anyone else?

We already know what Veterans Day is, and there are a lot of folks that are talking about honoring our veterans, and what this day means to our nation. I’m not going to reach that far…I’m just going to tell you what this day is to me.

My Veterans Day.

As I mentioned, I served in multiple wars, operations and conflicts…but this isn’t about me. It’s about the others.

I remember the names, the faces, and the stupid $#!+ we pulled together. There was a deep and abiding bond of friendship we shared as we worked hard together, played pranks on each other, got to know each other’s lives, friends and families – both from meeting them, and from talking about them “back home” when we were deployed somewhere. I had lots of friends over the years.

But what I remember most is when those bonds of friendship were put to the test, forged and solidified into something much more than friendship, more than brotherhood…during combat and in war. They morphed into something that is not easily described. Complete trust and confidence that they would give their life to save yours – as you would for them…without a thought. We see examples of this in the unbelievable heroic actions that we hear about, like Marine Cpl. Kyle Carpenter who threw himself on a grenade to save the life of his fellow Marine.

Today, on Veterans Day, I think of my dad, my uncles, grandfathers, cousins, nephews, and all my family members who served. I think of all my friends and fellow service members that I served with, and some I didn’t serve with but who I still count as friends.

I think about the years I was not with my family. How I missed my daughter’s birthdays, those special moments that father and son are supposed to have, but that my sons and I didn’t. I think of those moments that are so special in a marriage that I never saw – and how those left behind missed out on so much…how that affected our lives and our relationships. Now, in the years that are left to me, how much I regret not having those times back. I will never have them back. My family will never have them.

I think of those (many of them my friends) who not only suffered the same fate, but whose bodies were broken, maimed, and destroyed by war, by their service, and who suffer daily the effects of their sacrifice. I know, I hurt…every…single…day. I think of the deep and devastating psychological scars that they bear, of the unthinkable sights, sounds and events locked away in their head – things that can never be shared with anyone who was not there. I think of their families who did not volunteer for it, but who have become caregivers, whose lives have also been deeply affected by not only having to take on that duty that they did not volunteer for, but who have to watch the deterioration and suffering of their loved one – and how that changes their relationships, their lives, destroys their dreams.

And I think of the selfless sacrifice that millions of our servicemembers, men and women, have given to keep our country safe and secure for us, our families. How can I possibly repay the debt owed for this freedom, our security, and a life that is unknown in most parts of the world?

I can’t. I can only honor those who have stepped up and taken on that title – a Veteran.

Response by SFC George Smith made Nov 11 at 2016 10:38 AM

2016-11-11T10:38:02-05:00

Great Piece ... thanks for posting...

Response by LTC Stephen C. made Nov 11 at 2016 11:18 AM

2016-11-11T11:18:14-05:00

Nicely done, SgtMaj James Kuiken. Heartfelt and profound. Your view is a good one. Like your jump wings also. Great to see an airborne Marine!

Response by SMSgt Thor Merich made Nov 11 at 2016 11:37 AM

2016-11-11T11:37:36-05:00

Well written, thanks for posting it.

Response by SFC Robert David Hummel made Nov 11 at 2016 4:32 PM

2016-11-11T16:32:56-05:00

*** FREEDOM IS--> NOT<--FREE, !!!
"ALL GAVE SOME'... BUT.. "SOME", "GAVE ALL".
*** DO YOU "ENJOY-->YOUR FREEDOM" .......???
'Then take a moment to """Thank A VETERAN,"""
they "ALL Served to Preserve, Protect & Defend.FREEDOM'S for THEE.
May God Bless Our 'FREE REPUBLIC', "The United States of America"... Amen

Amazing Grace - Remembrance
A Video To Remember the Best of the Best and Never Forgetting Those who Are fighting to make us better.
YOUTUBE.COM

Response by Sgt Daniel Martin made Nov 11 at 2016 5:34 PM

2016-11-11T17:34:18-05:00

well said. I live in an area where vets are thanked and I know it is from the heart. I have lived in areas where our service was not welcomed. I do not want thanks but I never want our young vets to go through what we came home to. Thanks to all who have served.

w

Response by Cpl Scott McCarroll made Nov 9 at 2017 3:48 PM

2017-11-09T15:48:42-05:00

Thanks for your time and insight
Semper Fi