Live worthy of their sacrifices

“Brave is stability, not of legs and arms, but of courage and soul.” — John F Kennedy.

If you’re reading this early enough, consider a trip to the Wyoming Valley Veterans Day parade, which begins at 2 p.m. in Kingston and heads along Market Street to Wilkes-Barre’s Public Square.

Please don’t let the threat of showers keep you home. Grab an umbrella and/or a good rain jacket, lace up some waterproof footwear and go watch.

Observe the many units of men and women currently serving in our military branches. Watch people along the route waving small versions of the Stars and Stripes. Watch as the youngsters smile and perhaps rush out to grab some treats thrown their way by the parade participants. Watch as audience members thank, loudly or silently, those who risk their lives for our democracy.

You will see the very old and the very young in the procession. Feel the devotion that those who served long ago still wear like an invisible and indelible uniform, and notice how proudly some of the children hold their banners or flags, determined to close the distance with the weights assigned to them survive.

The plan calls for seven divisions representing a variety of organizations and individuals, from active duty units to retired GIs, from Boy Scouts to Daisy Troops, from the Shriners to the Red Hat Society.

School bands, dogs, motorcyclists, car clubs and of course ambulance and fire companies; The variety of units is a big part of the appeal. This is also the reaction of the parade observers.

Participating in the Veterans Day Parade can be more than just a sign of gratitude to the men and women who have answered the call of military service, past and present. It can deepen your gratitude. It can remind you of everything they risk, everything required of them, their training and preparation.

At the same time, the multitude of passing units is an epitome of America. It’s not just the protectors, but also what they protect. It is a cross-section of our way of life, a rich insight into our community and nation. It is a reminder of all the good things and good people that often go unappreciated or even unnoticed. It’s a sign of bipartisanship: Thanking and showing appreciation for veterans should be the most universal common ground we can all stand on.

You may feel the warm feeling of comfort in your chest, the lump in your throat, or even a few tears welling up. Embrace these feelings and remember them in the weeks and months to come. It is what our veterans deserve, it is what they have earned through their service.

If you stay long enough, you will see the military units that marched at the start of the deployment return from Wilkes-Barre to Kingston. Pay attention when someone still in the parade marches past with a large American flag, notice how many uniformed men stop to salute and then continue their little walk.

Remember their remarkable commitment to our country, both in terms of abstract ideals and everyday realities. Because one of the best ways to thank veterans, aside from attending the parade that honors them, is to live a life worthy of their sacrifices. We end as we began, with a quote from JFK:

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation lies not in uttering words but in living them.”