November 11 is Veterans Day, a special day set aside to honor and thank those who have served in our military. We all owe these people for their part in keeping us safe and free. I never served, but I greatly admire all who have and wish I were one of you.
Having never been in the military, it can be difficult to really understand what that experience entails. Reading about wars, specific battles, and individuals who were involved can really give some perspective. Some of these stories are absolutely amazing and hard to put down!
For a nation of peace, we surely have a lot of war in our history and many veterans. Warfare has changed over the centuries, too. Gain insight into “antiquated” warfare by reading Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War. This book will walk you through the entire war with glimpses into many different lives and experiences. The author says this book is “designed for the time-deprived modern-day reader.”
Most American adults are a little more familiar with the horrible American Civil War. Another Battlefields and Blessings book by Terry Tuley will introduce modern readers to many who endured this scar on our history. Civil War General “Stonewall” Jackson, already a veteran of the war of 1812, said, “People who are anxious to bring on war don’t know what they are bargaining for; they don’t see all the horrors that must accompany such an event.” We still don’t. Considering the horrors of war should really make us think hard before entering into any military engagements.
World War I, the War to End All Wars, often gets shoved behind our other military encounters. But one of our most interesting veterans became a hero in that war. Read a biography on Sergeant Alvin York to discover how a conscientious objector became a war hero!
World War II is probably the most well-documented of our wars. Occurring recently enough that we can better identify with people and places involved, many of us also have the benefit of having had relatives who were personally involved. But they are quickly disappearing. If you know a WWII vet, be sure to thank them and spend some time talking about their experience, if they are able and willing. Or read Our Finest Hour, for a look at the WWII generation, both veterans and civilians. Great photos enhance this book, too.
Our wars continued with Korea and Vietnam. Unfortunately, those veterans never got the recognition they deserved. And right up to the present, the war on terrorism keeps quietly claiming American lives in isolated attacks and training accidents. Read Medal of Honor: Profiles of America’s Military Heroes From the Civil War to the Present, a collection of stories of veterans of many wars who distinguished themselves, risking their lives “above and beyond the call of duty.”
Our lending library has a lot more on wars and veterans who fought in them. Our consignment area bulges with similar items. Please come in and pick a great book to read. You will gain a greater appreciation for our veterans, making November 11 much more meaningful to you and your family.
Thank you, veterans, for your sacrifice, bravery, and endurance of hardships while you were in the military. Even if you never saw action, your service and sacrifice was honorable, necessary, and greatly appreciated.
Reading is Rewarding!
Katie
Request the following titles from the Family Vision Library here:
Battlefields & Blessings: Stories of Faith and Courage from the Revolutionary War, by Jane Hampton Cook
Battlefields and Blessings : Stories of Faith and Courage from the Civil War, by Terry Tuley
Sergeant York, by John Perry
Our Finest Hour, Life Magazine
Medal of Honor: Profiles of America’s Military Heroes From the Civil War to the Present, by Allen Mikaelian
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