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Veterans' Day: Navigating Honor in a Post-Modern Society The question of whether we should honor our veterans presents a multifaceted issue. On the one hand, the public recognition of veterans acknowledges their unusual and extraordinary sacrifices in service of a nation. It is about a community openly expressing gratitude for the bravery and selflessness service of those who have worn the uniform. On the other hand, an uncritical reverence perpetuates a simplistic view of military service, overlooking the intricate layers of its complexities, particularly those of armed forces and the democratic nations they serve. There is a real danger in blind celebration in so far that such narratives of heroism and sacrifice ultimately perpetuate militarism. Honoring veterans should foster a sense of unity and collective identity crucial in navigating the complexities of postmodern society. Yet honoring veterans also demands a critical examination of the societal structures that enable militarism and the heedless tribute of war. A veteran’s day should ultimately advance the recognition of those who have served and embody the shared values that bind us together. It should reflect our gratitude for the men and women who serve, but also serve as a rather subtle warning that war is a very real threat – and some have been called to fight in them. How can public recognition of veterans be improved to reflect a deeper understanding of their challenges during and after service? Spread the word and share this post! The Road Back: A bi-monthly LinkedIn series that explores the veteran's journey and sheds light on combat experience and life after war. Official VLOG and more coming soon! Painting: Reflections by Lee Teter, 1988 #VeteransDay #PostModernVeterans #VeteranExperience

Military Holidays There are three distinct holidays for honoring military personnel and all three are different in who they honor. Some people get confused, so let’s review them and keep it simple: Armed Forces Day 3rd Saturday in May Honors all military personnel now serving Memorial Day Last Monday in May Honors all military personnel who died while serving this nation Veterans Day November 11th Honors those who have served in the Armed Forces Many Americans and businesses try to piggy-back other things onto these holidays. For example, on Memorial Day you’ll find people coming up to veterans and saying, “Thanks for your service.” Please remember, Memorial Day isn’t about anybody’s service. Veterans cringe when they hear this as most vets have lost somebody in combat or training and that phrase, although said innocently and sincerely, is cringeworthy to most vets. It’s not about a mattress sale. It’s not about honoring first responders. It’s not about the first day of summer. Or barbecue. It’s not about anything except honoring those men and women - and the families - who made the ultimate sacrifice for this great nation! That’s it. Don’t add anything else to it. Its simple, but it’s also a somber event and there’s nothing happy about it, so please refrain from saying “Happy Memorial Day.” All three of these events are just single days, not months. So let’s give them the undivided attention each day deserves and focus on what exactly the day is set aside for…spend time with your families and share the meaning of the day with the younger members. Explain what the day is all about. There are many ways to celebrate and/or honor these folks: Visit a military cemetery on Memorial Day, a veterans home on Veterans Day, or send a care package to deployed troops on Armed Forces Day. Our organization is amazing when it comes to honoring these holidays. From placing flags on graves to setting up Missing Man tables to remember the POW-MIA personnel, we enjoy wide support! Many companies just use these days as off-days. Please share these three days with your family and friends! National Cemetery Andersonville, GA

How can the lessons from our heroes' sacrifices inspire us? This Memorial Day, I honor the brave military men and women who have served our country with unwavering dedication. Among them was my Uncle Johnny Ruiz, who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom at 20 years young. Uncle Johnny survived the brutalities of Vietnam and wrote my grandparents, saying he would be home in just 20 days. Tragically, while voluntarily taking on a cleaning duty for his commander, a hidden explosive device detonated. Instead of a joyous homecoming, military trucks rolled into my grandparents' driveway to deliver the devastating news that permanently rocked our family. Most of us enter our career paths with the desire to help others and make a positive impact. Uncle Johnny’s story provides timeless lessons that apply to our professional lives. Three Lessons from Military to Workplace: 1-Commitment to Service: Uncle Johnny's dedication to his duties right out of high school, even in the face of danger, highlights the importance of commitment. In the workplace, this translates to serving our customers, clients, and colleagues to the best of our abilities. By prioritizing service, we foster trust and build strong, supportive relationships within our teams. 2-Courage in Action: The bravery Uncle Johnny displayed reminds us that courage is essential, not only on the battlefield, but also in our careers. Whether it's taking on a challenging project, standing up for what is right, or embracing change, having the courage to act decisively can lead to significant positive outcomes. 3-Sacrifice for the Greater Good: Uncle Johnny’s ultimate sacrifice underscores the value of selflessness. In a workplace, this can mean going the extra mile for a team project, mentoring a colleague, or putting the organization's goals above personal ambitions. This spirit of sacrifice and teamwork drives collective success. As we remember and honor our military heroes this Memorial Day, let's reflect on how their stories inspire us to create workplaces rooted in service, courage, and selflessness. Their legacy is not only in their sacrifice, but in the lessons they leave for us to carry forward in our personal and professional lives. #militaryheroes #memorialday #army

As a company led by veterans, the meaning of Memorial Day carries a deep significance. We honor those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. Watch this video with our CEO, Logan Leslie, to learn more about what Memorial Day means to Main Street Auto. https://lnkd.in/erFAcw6G #memorialday

So important to remember why we have the freedoms we do.

MEMORIAL DAY | Like more Americans than you might think at first blush, I didn't really know anyone in the military while growing up. No bases nearby, no signs of the military-industrial complex—my environment offered no glimpse into those realms. Sure, I occasionally encountered veterans, observed the holidays, learned the history, and, of course, would thank servicemembers on the off-chance I saw one in uniform at the airport. But the significance of that gratitude eluded me and most people I knew. Think about the following statistic: active-duty military personnel comprise less than one-half of 1% of the U.S. population. Even taking into consideration anyone with military service in their background? Still single digit percentages. And, truth be told, a vast majority hail from just a handful of states. Let that sink in... one-half of 1%... This is why I write this post. To the many, perhaps like myself once, or you, reader, who might be tangentially connected, deeply caring, but lacking regular exposure to that world day in and day out. For myself, it has been 13 years of military service. A profession that has taken me across the world, forged lifelong friendships, broadened horizons, and brought both joy and pain. This isn’t unique—each servicemember has such personal stories, although often resonating just within their own circles. Which brings us to today, Memorial Day. A time to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice in military service. Our world is a fractured place lately, every issue laden with "baggage." Yet, we can get beyond it by striving to understand one another, giving grace to others, and embracing our collective strength over prevailing forms of individualism instead. Need somewhere to look? Those we honor on Memorial Day embodied this ethos. Please take a moment to remember and honor them, but perhaps also take a moment longer and seek to understand more about their lives, their sacrifices, and their communities. I promise you won't regret doing so. And, most importantly, the families of the fallen who keep their stories alive, they're heroes. #memorialday #inspiration #military

Tomorrow is the big day! It's not too late to register and attend, and it's never too early to start making a plan. If you are in transition, let CMA help you make it the best it could possibly be. You'll get invaluable education, and a personalized approach tailored to what YOU need to be successful. This workshop could make all the difference. I can tell you, this framework made a huge difference for me. I hope to see you there! #militarytransition #veteranemployment #veteranshelpingveterans

Curious about the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day? This blog explains it all. Learn who we honor on each day and why these holidays are so important. #MemorialDay #VeteransDay #HonorAndRespect https://lnkd.in/gmSStPZS

As we go through life, we learn that it's not about the quantity of friends we have, but the quality. It's been said that you can count your true friends on one hand, and knowing who those people are is essential. We all know people who claim to have countless close friends, but in reality, they only have acquaintances. It's important not to chase away those who truly love us. Cherish the relationships that matter and hold onto them tightly. #TrueFriends #QualityOverQuantity #CherishRelationships

Not Just a Label: The Power of Being a Veteran Labels. We encounter them every day - some given to us, some we assign to ourselves. But have you ever stopped to think about the labels that truly define us, the ones we actively choose to embrace and embody? As a veteran, I've come to realize that being labeled as such isn't just a title bestowed upon us; it's a conscious decision we make to take action, to serve, to sacrifice, and to protect. It's a label that encompasses a wealth of experiences, skills, and values that shape who we are and how we navigate the world around us. Unfortunately, many outside of the military will not take the time to try and understand them. (I am not suggesting it's their responsibility to do so.) What sets the label of a veteran apart is that it's not merely a description of what we've done; it's a reflection of who we are at our core. It signifies a commitment to something greater than ourselves, a dedication to duty, honor, and country. But beyond the uniform and the accolades, being a veteran is about the intangible qualities that define our character - resilience in the face of adversity, leadership in times of uncertainty, and a deep sense of camaraderie that binds us together as a community. So, the next time you hear the label "veteran," I encourage you to see beyond the surface and recognize the depth of experience and strength that lies beneath. It's not just a title; it's a testament to the values we hold dear and the actions we've taken to uphold them. To my fellow veterans: Wear the label proudly, for it is a symbol of your unwavering commitment and the legacy you continue to build every day. #Veteran #ProudToServe #MilitaryCommunity #Labels #Identity #Strength #Leadership