WHEN WOULD WE START TO THANK OUR VETERANS FOR THEIR SERVICE

It’s May 27th and it’s Memorial Day in the US; a holiday to celebrate military veterans who have have served, are serving or have fallen in service. Sure it sounds like any other holiday, but it holds a lot more meaning...

The military in my country; Nigeria, no doubt, serve under very horrible and deprived conditions. These harsh environment and ingratitude from those they serve have made them violent, angry, unfriendly and oppressors of those they are supposed to protect. This is the sad reality! On the other hand, I don’t know so much about the US military, but I have had a few experiences that have been eye opening. I’ll share two experiences quickly...

First, I was onboard a domestic flight in the US and I had a US army officer seated a few rows in from of me. I noticed that more than 90% of the passengers who boarded after me kept saying to the officer, “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!” some even went as far as shaking his hand as they said “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!”. I have noticed such complements several other times since then, but this one time stood out because it felt like everyone who said “THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!” was told to do so, but I am certain they weren’t. Second, I walked into a store wearing this US navy t-shirt I bought at a boutique. After picking up the things I wanted and went to pay at the counter, the sales representative asked me “ARE YOU MILITARY?” I said NO. And she went on “I THOUGHT YOU WERE MILITARY CAUSE OF YOUR T-SHIRT, I WAS GOING TO GIVE YOU A DISCOUNT”. Wow! These are very little things right? I bet they are some of the very little secrets that keep the morale of the US military boosted, promotes love for country, encourages effective, efficient and friendly serve to civilians and country. 

What if we did a little more to show our Nigerian military that we appreciate their service? What if every organization (private and public) had some independent plan for honoring the women and men who serve? What if we the citizens did a little more to show that we do appreciate their courage and sacrifice on our behalf? I think we would have a military we can be proud about. 

We ought to celebrate our military everyday, not only on January 15th. To all the officers, rank and file of the Nigerian Military (Army, Navy and Air Force), THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE EVEN IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES!

#myrandomweeklythoughts

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