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Opinion

Find ways to support troops this holiday

Sean Graves
Guest Commentary 

On Saturday, an important holiday will once again be celebrated. 

On Veterans Day, I think of so many things. I think of my grandfathers, both of whom served in the Army during World War II. One was wounded in combat. I think of my father and the sacrifices both he and my mother made during his 20 years of proud service in the Air Force. I think of all of the people I feel privileged to have served with during my own tour of duty in the Army. Most of all, on this day, I think of all of those who have stood in harm's way like my wounded grandfather and of our brave service members who face such dangers today.

These honorable souls have ensured that Americans would always have the privilege of living in a free and prosperous nation. I am both grateful for and humbled by their noble sacrifices. I know that nothing I have done or ever will do -- not even my own service in the armed forces -- can ever repay the sacrifice and heroism of these brave defenders of my freedom.

While not everyone is suited to serve in the military, everyone can do something to support those who have served. They can lend their support to organizations such as the American Legion, AMVETS, Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Department of Veterans' Affairs or any of the many reputable organizations that serve veterans and service members. Concerned citizens can support candidates and legislation that ensure our troops and veterans have sufficient resources. Not everyone can serve in the military, but every American can be a citizen. Citizenship consists of more than the right to vote in our elections and live within our borders.

If you are a person of faith and a daily prayer is your custom, today take the time to say three: For your first, pray for the safety and success of those service members risking their lives for us all. Pray they come safely home to their families, having accomplished their difficult missions, so they may be at peace with their war.

For your second prayer, pray that our nation will never forget the sacrifices of our veterans. Pray that those of influence will remember our veterans with deeds and not with insincere words and photo opportunities. Pray those of influence ensure our veterans will always have the tools needed to make the readjustment to civilian life. This is the least we can do for those willing to risk their lives and limbs in order to preserve the freedoms we so often take for granted.

For your last prayer, pray that a day comes when those living on our planet no longer feel the need to take sides. Pray for a day when all of humankind can finally have the courage to beat its swords into ploughshares. Pray for a day when God's greatest creations can value life and the lives of their descendants enough to make warfare a footnote in the annals of history rather than an immortal monster. Pray our species will finally be good stewards of the world deeded to them by the creator -- pray for a just and lasting peace.

Take this day and every day to honor and remember our veterans and current service members. Without them, you would have so much more to pray for -- and far less hope of those prayers ever being answered.

Graves, a first-year law student, 
can be reached via dccampus@mail.uh.edu