This Friday, November 11, we honor all of the brave men and women of the armed forces who have courageously fought and selflessly sacrificed so much in order to protect the freedom of our country. We offer to you our sincere appreciation and recognition for your service.
Great is the strength, diversity, and pride of our veterans. In the face of adversity, challenges, and trials, our veterans are strong and ready. They are also called to be resilient: to be able and willing to maintain positive growth or adaptation in the face of an adversity.
Strenuous training. Prolonged deployments. Temporarily absent from family and friends. Grief over a departed service member. Yes, there is sadness, longing, and loss. There is deep suffering and pain.
And at the same time, there is also camaraderie, joy, fortitude, and valor. There's the sense that each solider is not serving alone, but as part of a larger group--a group made up of his/her family, unit, community, and country.
On this day, we can unite together and renew our commitment to help build a resilient society.
In the face of adversity, trauma, and distress we can learn to lean on each other, support each other, listen to each other, and connect with each other--
Living out the values we see exemplified in those we honor.
Links:
US ARMY, "Ready and Resilient" Program: https://www.army.mil/readyandresilient/
Medical and Mental Health Resources for Veterans: https://www.army.mil/readyandresilient/resources/
