So Veterans Day is fast approaching and, I need to plan how I would like to celebrate MY holiday.
I earned this day, by serving in our country's Army; I went overseas and even did a year in Iraq. Despite having served, jobs still seem to think it's ok to expect me to work on this day, even though I earned the right to have this day off, more than any other day off and more than any non-veteran has earned the right. I have taken the stand to NEVER work on this day ever again (as well as memorial day when I remember my fallen friends).
Last veteran's day I think I went to a museum or something fun and relaxing like that. The one before that I went to the Bronx botanical garden to see the Kiku exhibit with my brother. That was such great fun. We spent all day until it was dark and the garden closed.
This year, I think I will be going to the natural history museum. I have asked a few friends to join me and it should be quite enjoyable. One might wonder why I don't do anything more patriotic or "historic" on this day, but I could say the same thing about those who have forgotten entirely what this day was about, and live for it's sales!! I don't have to do anything patriotic on MY day, I already served, all I have to do is enjoy my day with the people I love and who love me.
I am sure my family will once again NOT wish me a happy veterans day, because they don't see the importance of remembering that I served or remembering that I actually earned this holiday and worked for it, instead many of them will surely be shopping and enjoying the sales that ride on the glory of so many others' efforts.
I will be with the people that actually care about me and what so many others and I have done.
If you know a veteran, remember to wish them a happy veteran's day, they earned it! If you know someone related to a veteran, pass the message on to their family member who sacrificed so much so you could enjoy the luxuries of veteran's day sales.
P.S. when memorial day roles back around, DON'T wish us a happy memorial day, the memorial is for remembering the dead, it's NOT a happy day for barbecues and crap like that.