Every year on Veterans Day, I am reminded of a poignant encounter with a woman at an airport. She sat quietly, cradling a small American flag and holding a worn welcome home sign, a sign that had clearly been used in previous homecomings. Her son, she told me, had been deployed three times and insisted on no fuss. Yet she smiled through tears, conveying the deep emotions a mother feels when her child returns home.
Veterans Day captures the essence of making a fuss, of taking a moment to remember that behind each salute, medal, and folded flag lies a profound story filled with family ties and human experiences. While some veterans return to grand parades, others come back quietly, grappling with memories too heavy for words. Tragically, some never return, but their bravery endures in the hearts of those who love them.
This day is a tribute not just to the individuals who wore the military uniform—our heroes and protectors—but also to the families who served in their own quiet ways. The spouses who managed households, the parents who anxiously awaited phone calls, and the children who grew up with lessons of pride and patience all contributed to the tapestry of service.
The spirit of service extends beyond the end of one’s military career. It is reflected in acts of kindness, patience, and the understanding that comes from standing for something greater than oneself. Veterans carry this spirit within them, as do their families. They celebrate every reunion like a cherished holiday as they find solace in letters and photographs, building lives around absence interlaced with hope.
I contemplate the father who missed his child’s first steps and the mother who returned and quietly returned to work, seamlessly reintegrating into a world that had not paused in her absence. I remember the young man in the grocery store who stands a little taller when the national anthem plays.
Many veterans do not seek recognition; most humbly assert they are just doing their job. However, our collective responsibility as a nation, as members of a community, and as compassionate individuals is to recognize the sacrifices they have made: time, safety, sleep, and sometimes, their inner peace.
This day, let us indeed make a fuss. Let us express our gratitude not only through flags and parades but also in the way we live—with kindness, gratitude, and compassion. It is essential to teach our children that freedom is not free, but rather a precious gift secured by those brave enough to protect it.
To each veteran and every family who has waited with a welcome home sign, we honor and thank you. Your service has safeguarded our lives; your sacrifices have strengthened us, and your devotion to our country serves as a powerful reminder of what it truly means to come home.