What Does Veteran 's Dap Mean to Me?

By: JEFFERY A. SHOCKLEY

Veteran's day for me is a time of reflection, a moment to be grateful for the men and women who unselfishly elected to go fight in battles bigger than any one individual. Those who unknowingly gave others hope while fighting for liberties under-valued today by a generation coddled in instant gratification.

Those who scoff at the wounds of those who lived and died with American pride while finding greater purpose though being treated as less than an equal, a soldier capable of being more than just a cook.

It was during my childhood I would see the old soldiers, even a few relatives, dressed in their respective military branch uniforms adorned with medals and heroic insignia marching in the local parade. Holding their head high, chest out; many injured from battles I was too young to know or understand until enlisting myself.

Breaking free from the stench of poverty and cultural racism that offered on more occasions nothing more than a pipeline to prison.

I live in a country, right now a world, fraught with many issues that have been carried on the backs of soldiers and civilians throughout time. Veteran's Day allows me individually and collectively to look back beyond these times to stand in awe and honor of the many who paid the ultimate sacrifice of life defending a country that did not accept them; giving nothing to them when the battles were over.

Where a war rages on, still.

Admittedly, I have not lived a lift) that gives honor to those man and women of yesterday, not the military itself. As I write this tribute to them, their blood that was shed is watered down by my tears of shame.

That I am one who also served but now, to be sitting in prison when opportunities for a better life were on hand, pressed into my palms by Veteran soldiers who had far less than is available today. And yet managed to do greater things, strengthened, and becoming greater human beings than I at times imagine for myself.

I will not quit or give up as the many before me stood their ground under a far worse periods of time in this nation’s not so distant history. This is what Veteran's Day means to me. Thank you for your service. Happy Veteran's Day.

God Bless America and all who have served.