Veteran's Day is Invigorating?

Tomorrow is Veteran's Day across America. Thank you to all my family and friends that served or supported us while we served. There are almost 350,000 Veterans living in the state of Minnesota,  and over 20 million across the country and its territories. Many organizations  in my area are celebrating this special day today either by having Veterans Day programs or just giving their folks some time off. In an any case, Veterans Day has a lot meaning to a lot of different people. Most veterans that I know seem to make an effort to get together with other Veterans for at least part of the day. I've made an effort to get out and enjoy a meal with some of my veteran family and friends (graciously provided for free by some local businesses expressing their gratitude). We usually start out by checking in with each other to see how things have been going and the conversation somehow leads to stories from our past service together. There is a lot of laughing and loud voices, something we were much more accustomed to when serving. We end the time by quietly parting ways with our Minnesota grace of telling each other we should get together more often, but we don't and we know we likely won't until there is a funeral or until next Veteran's Day. I can't recall a single time when I've left those conversations feeling anything less than at least content, as if my cup is noticeably a little fuller than when I arrived. Perhaps you experience something similar on days that are more special to you? As a therapist, I've asked myself how getting together with those folks seems to have such a positive effect on my mood. The answer is simple, the bonds of service that were seemingly broken were quickly remade. These bonds are unlike any other that most people have ever experienced. They are not only unique, but entirely special. We know it when we get together and talk about old times, we feel it within our depths. When we tap into our depths, it is invigorating. This Veteran's Day, whether you're a Veteran, a family member of a Veteran, or you just want to remember the sacrifices of our country's Veterans, get out there and spend some time with them. If you know one is at home alone, go and visit them. Invigorate your soul or at least spend a little time with a Veteran.