What do you do on Veterans Day?

• On Veterans Day, I display an American Flag and attend the Veterans Day meal events around town. The holiday reminds me of my time in the Air Force and my adventures and experiences with good people. I also think about the veterans who did a lot more than I did during my time of service and reflect on their sacrifices for our country.
• I attend the parade in my community and do at least one act of kindness for a veteran in my circle of influence. It means the world to me because I am grateful for my freedoms and my beloved Dad served in W.W. II.
• As a veteran, I have always felt awkward about Veterans Day. To me, it was a job. It was dangerous and horrifying at times, but the same can be said of a McDonald's fry cook. I always feel odd when I hear "Thank you for your service" because to me it rings the same as "Thanks for doing your job." That said, every year I go out on what I jokingly call my "fatty fatty fat fat day" to get my free goodies and meals and I always make a point to go to Hy-Vee for breakfast and sit with the veterans who are now in their 60s and higher. The people who fought in the Korean War, Vietnam, etc. And I talk to them and see the light come on in their eyes. For them, it feels good to be appreciated for a thing that they spent time being villainized for. But I also enjoy the company of another generation of veterans, my generation. It means something to be among people who have shared experiences with you that others may not be able to relate to. To bond over the shared trauma we experienced and realize that we aren't alone. Or to be able to finally talk about something that we've been able to process after years of dwelling on it and have it heard by somebody who understands. To me, Veterans Day is partially about Citizens showing support for those who serve, but it is also about bonding among those who have, too. We wear hats and shirts to identify ourselves when we are invisible to one another the other 364 days of the year. Sometimes it is light-hearted talk of how crappy MREs taste. Other times we chat about hazing rituals we endured. And sometimes we talk about the evils that humans have inflicted on their fellow humans. But in doing so, we realize that we are not alone.