Veterans Day

Yesterday is American Veterans Day (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Veterans_Day) and I got the chance to watch on TV some war veterans and former prisoners of war (POW) together with their families and friends being interviewed and sharing their own stories. I was amazed by the kind of spirit they have shown despite their harrowing experiences in the wars they have fought, and even in the “war” they had after they came home.

Many have admitted that the memories of war are far more difficult to conquer than the actual war. They have had nightmares in their sleep, their attitudes have been radically changed, etc. Evidently, wars transformed them into something they hardly understand. “Identifying themselves” becomes the new frontier - every war veteran undergoes this test. Their battle-scarred souls became part of the collateral damages wars have inflicted. But tortuous as it may, veterans always rise above their ordeals. They always emerged triumphant. As my grandfather used to say, “Of course, we veterans will always survive in this life because we have gone through the best training already early in life. We’ve gone through all the sh*t that life can give us during our respective wars. What lessons in life can we ask for? What challenges can we not overcome?”

Once, I had the opportunity to ask an old veteran, “Did your war experience changed your philosophy in life?” The veteran readily replied in the affirmative and he said something like this: “Yes. The life that we have now can be considered a privileged life, a charmed one. When we feel cold, we got heater; when we feel hot, we got AC. When we want to eat exotic and high-end food, we got all kinds of restaurant to choose from. When we want to say something, we got freedom of speech; when we want to go somewhere else, we got freedom to move freely. What else can we ask for? But these things are what we fail to appreciate most often… Many easily complain and give up on the slightest problem and petty issues in their lives. Many are so absorb in themselves thinking that they are the most miserable creatures in this world. Many are still so inconsiderate as to the plight of others who are and have been far less fortunate than they are… Yes, the wars that I have fought did change tremendously my philosophy in life. I have learned to be so grateful to all the things in my life, both good and bad… Bad experiences make us wiser, good experiences make us thankful and bolder. In the end, it will always be the kind of spirit that you bring into the fight that will make you win your own "wars" and come out a better person. Focusing on the good side always is what made me survive and succeed.” ...Truly, with great adversity comes greater opportunity.

To all veterans, I respect and thank you for your service.