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Published Thursday, November 12, 2009

Special people honored this week

It's human nature to take things for granted, or to lose that sense of awe once you get over your first encounter with a special person, place or thing.

The courtroom excitement of my first murder trial got the adrenaline flowing overtime, but after a dozen or so, the procedure was so second nature it was easy to look past the human elements of loss, fear or anger upon which such tales of human misery are built.

Special sights are the same way. I gasped the first time I saw that awesome gash in the ground called the Grand Canyon, but on subsequent visits, the rush of excitement and sense of awe just weren't there.

Meeting people works the same way. A first encounter with a rock star, movie legend or super athlete left me starry-eyed, but a second visit was generally enough to teach me that celebrities have the same faults as everyone else.

But my sense of excitement and awe has never been diminished where one group of people are concerned-- our country's military veterans.

Yesterday, we honored them with a national celebration called Veterans Day. I was happy to join the party.

In ceremonies across the country our veterans were called heroes, patriots and defenders of freedom. They are. But they are something else, too. They are just like you and me. They don't hold themselves out to be anything special and don't expect anyone else to.

I've known vets of all shapes, sizes, sexes, colors and temperaments. Some I've liked more than others, but I've never met a veteran I didn't admire.

They share certain qualities that make them special in my book. Yours, too, I hope.

For instance, they never seek the limelight. Most vets are happy to be recognized at special events like Veterans Day, but none of them signed up hoping or expecting such recognition.

They joined the military to serve their country. Most vets will tell you that was reward enough. And whenever honors come their way, vets never fail to share the limelight with their fellow veterans.

I also like veterans because they don't brag. I've interviewed men and women who, during their military careers, did things you wouldn't believe if you saw them on the Hollywood big screen. I can count on one hand the vets who bragged about what they did. In fact, most say, "I was just doing my job."

We should all have such a work ethic. Speaking of which, I also like vets because they don't make excuses. By the time the starch is out of that first uniform, most veterans have learned the importance of getting a job done and getting it done right.

If you've ever seen a military pay chart, you know they aren't in it for the money. Some may sign up to better their circumstances, but none stay for the money or perks. They stay because they love their country and are proud to serve and defend the greatest nation on earth.

Lastly, I love vets because they are not complainers. Vets know how to take a setback and keep moving forward. Instead of telling you why something can't be done, vets shoulder the responsibility and find a way to accomplish a goal.

Vets don't quit. If you don't believe it, visit a military hospital and see the brave men and women who are now learning to read Braille or walk again or write with a different hand. No quit in that bunch. Not now. Not ever.

I hope you enjoyed Veterans Day and took a moment to say "thanks" to these very special people. If you're like me, that's one privilege that never grows old.

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