Veteran's Day ... A Salute to Brave Warriors

This past week, I sat next to a wounded, but recovering, soldier. He was very young, very polite, and obviously in pain. His crutches were stored overhead and I had not noticed he was limited until I needed to get to my window seat. With some effort he let me pass by.

When we were settled, I asked him how he was doing and thanked him for his service. Later he volunteered that, while on a mission in Iraq, his vehicle was struck by an IED (improvised explosive device) and both of his knees were severely damaged. He had had three surgeries and was anticipating another. He seemed very thankful to be alive and was working half-day shifts at a Fort Carson desk job in Colorado Springs. The rest of his day was in rehab.

Traveling in and out of our city, I see a lot of young men in "my soldier's" condition. I wonder about their families and agonize with them over their futures, without even knowing what that might be. Will they be able to get an education? Live a normal life? Play basketball?

I also hear a lot about the symptoms related to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Things I have read tell me that 15 percent to 20 percent of those who suffer the disorder will never recover. I wonder if we really take the consequences of war as seriously as we should?

My point of this note to you on this national holiday to remember our veterans is a simple one. Please do not overlook the near 4,000 families that have been forever influenced by the war-related death of a loved one and the multiplied thousands of men and women whose lives will never ever be the same due to battle-related injuries ... and they all seem so young.

Perhaps, as the Psalmist requested of his God, we can live in our world when we cross paths with men and women whose lot in life has left them with everyday challenges we can scarcely imagine.

"Withhold not thou thy tender mercies from me, O Lord; let thy lovingkindness and thy truth continually preserve me" (Psalm 40:11).

Have you checked out our podcast at podcast.hblondon.org? Please do. Let me know what you think, and have a really good day!