Tag: Veterans Day

Standing on the Shoulders of Giants- Veterans Day 2019

Posted on by

My family has a story. I’ll bet yours does too.
 
 
 

My grandfather and namesake, Miles Sr., joined the army cavalry back in WWI. Sounds dashing, but the assignment to cavalry in those days, for farm boys from Ohio,  was all about the barn, not about the riding.My father, Miles Jr., was first in his graduating class of 1942 to enlist in the Army. He got some great training at the New England Aircraft School and as ground crew chief was responsible for the maintenance of a number of B-17’s over Europe.

I am humbled by what he and his generation did in their late ‘teens and early twenties. Not so impressed with how I muddled through those same years in my life.

Thanks Dad.

My daughter, Emma, and her husband, have been deployed in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East with the U.S. Army. Today they call West Point home.
I’ll bet your family has some stories like this too. I hope you share them this weekend. They are important ways to share your family’s values.
I got a pass.  I got a university deferment. then I got a high draft number. No crazy Asian war for me.
So, when they bring up the flag at the parade today, I’ll be the first to jump up (or try to be) to salute, not the flag that goes by, but the sacrifices and love gifts of all who have worn the uniform of  a U.S. Armed Service, who stepped forward and chose   “Duty, Honor, Country” instead of “What’s in it for me?”
Isaac Newton is famously credited with saying “If I have seen further than most, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of Giants.”
Today, I echo his sentiment with gratitude for the service and sacrifice of the veterans. Thank you for your service. Thank you for your sacrifice.
You are all giants in my book.