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To Our Shiawassee Veterans On Memorial Day

Dear Shiawassee Veterans,

I don’t usually write about veterans, war, or military issues. I’ve smacked around commissioners, prosecutors, administrators, and all for good reasons, but never on your behalf.

It’s not that you’ve been far from my mind. I’ve seen your funds get shifted to other departments. Departments that I know are less important but politically stronger than your own. I’ve heard stories .. rumors really .. of things that I’d call disrespect. I’ve asked questions here & there, and I’ve given my opinions in private conversations. I’ve just never made the time to try to get to know you, so that I could tell your story.

We go about our lives, while you remain in the background, invisible and forgotten, until someone needs a photo op or a political tool. Once a year we wash away these sins by giving you a parade. It helps that we do this on a Monday, so that our tribute to you doesn’t cut into our weekend. Thank you for the barbecues, the fireworks, the fun on the lake, and for protecting our country.

I can’t bring myself to write a stunning tribute to you on Memorial Day. I’m sure I could come up with the words, but what meaning would they have to anyone but me? I haven’t done anything for you. I don’t even have a bumper sticker or a yellow ribbon on my car. I’m not even going to your parade today.

I won’t sing your praises today. I haven’t earned the right to join the choir. Instead, I will give you two things: first, a promise, that I will try to get to know you. I will try to understand you and I will look for ways to help you overcome whatever problems you have in this county. Next year I will be able to write a tribute that isn’t hollow.

Second, I give you this; the best version of the National Anthem that I have ever heard.

Thank you, and happy Memorial Day

~cb