Veteran’s Day 2021

Another Veterans Day is here. It is the official day fellow Americans honor men and women serving or who have served in the armed forces, including those who are no longer with us. 

Throughout the week, there are parades, ceremonies, and gatherings, designed to acknowledge the gratitude of communities. Some schools invite veterans to speak to classes. Churches, and veteran groups, hold special dinners. Various retailers and restaurants offer free or discounted items and food, all to say, “Thank you for your service.” Many of us also use this time to educate the public on the difference between Veterans Day and Memorial Day. 

One of the most significant ceremonies happens in Arlington National Cemetery at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. On November 11 at 11 a.m., the President of the United States, or a representative, participates in a wreath-laying ceremony to honor all who served. The colors are paraded, and remarks are made by dignitaries.

For us Photographers Mates and Mass Communication Specialists, it can be a day to remember our time in uniform doing assignments that most sailors would never understand. We may take the time to remember our shipmates; the amazing and profound experiences we’ve shared with them.

Hopefully, you celebrate and do something special for yourself because this day is put aside for everyone who put their right hand up and said, “I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic….” 

Veteran’s day started out as a celebration because World War I was ending. It commemorated the truce and honored those who gave the ultimate sacrifice. It was called Armistice Day by President Woodrow Wilson (He signed it in as a special day a year later). You may have heard the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. A truce was signed that would end World War I in Compiègne, France, on November 11, 1918. It became a federal holiday in 1926.

In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed Armistice Day, which focused heavily on memorializing those lost in World War I, to Veterans Day to honor all veterans of all wars. Congress had moved the holiday to extend their break in October in 1968 but changed it back in 1978, realizing that it was essential to acknowledge the exact day of its origin.

In a way, this weekend, as we celebrated Navy photographers’ 100 Anniversary in Pensacola, Florida, we celebrated being veterans. We continued with the education we all received for our time in the military. Many of us made fast friends and connections to shipmates who had come before us and with those who served after us. We celebrated our role as we all were the “Eyes of the Fleet” at one point and in some way.

When I first left the Navy, like so many other Sailors, I thought it would be something to leave behind. I served during a transitional time for women. Looking back through history, it seems like it has always been a transitional time for women; maybe by now, we should be there. 

To be honest, there were many negatives I remembered during my time of service. It also seemed challenging to transition to civilian life as the percentage of people around me were confused by my approach. Serving our country gave me new ways of thinking. It didn’t work with returning home as they didn’t seem ready to embrace my unique perspectives. 

Now, I spend much of my life honoring veterans daily in various ways. As an editor for a nonprofit magazine for destroyer veterans, I help veterans keep their stories alive for our future. Sometimes, they are willing to tell stories about their service to me that they cannot share with their families. This is such an honor, and I am very blessed to use daily all the things I learned in the U.S. Navy to include the language of Navy life and shipboard lingo.

 I also learn a lot as I study our history.

I’m also active in the American Legion, where I have learned much about myself, just like in the military. Being involved with veteran groups, I realized we have so much in common no matter what year of service or what branch. There is always something to create a bond.

From my interactive veteran experience, I offer a perspective for those who don’t reach out but might feel on their own. There are a lot of us who care about you, just like we learned in boot camp. We still feel responsible to the sailor to the left and the right of us on the line. We dare to check your gig line (with permission these days) and ensure it is squared away. We are willing to make sure you don’t walk away all jacked up. I urge all of you to connect with your shipmates or other veterans, talk about the past, relish in it, and make some new memories too.

Happy Veterans Day, Shipmates! Always look after each other; God bless.

MC1 Mass Communication Specialist 1^st Class (retired) Lisa Borges, USN