Athletics are based on competition. No matter the sport, the venue, or the athletes competing, the competition is based on opposing sides or teams, both hoping to conquer the other to taste the glory of victory, and avoid the bitter taste of defeat.
On this day, those victories, that glory, the sting of defeat, all take a knee.
Those emotions take a knee to pay homage to a greater glory, monumental victories, and heart wrenching defeats. Those feelings harbored by our beloved veterans command our attention and respect on this very important day.
Have you ever stood in front of the Vietnam Memorial? Powerful. You can feel the same power when you look a WWII veteran in the eye, extend your palm, and thank him for his sacrifices, and efforts.
A man in his early nineties, Colonel Edward Lindsay, accepted such a gesture from me, and I feel the better man for it today.
His eyes lit up like diamonds basking in the sun. That man has forgotten more about the importance of honor and dignity than I may ever know. He deserves more than my hand shake.
He deserves all of our gratitude.
There are many, many Mr Lindsays out there deserving of our appreciation. The fact that this article is even being read is hard proof of the forward progress created at the cost of brave men and women who have sacrificed for our better good.
The open sharing of information and opinions, many would do away with such freedoms given the opportunity.
Not on Mr. Lindsay's watch.
The simple fact that we have the luxury of spending time pouring out opinions, spending hours following our beloved sports, living in a great country that truly endulges such luxuries, is all the incentive we need to honor these great veterans.
So many generations have endured and suffered in this country. All have their story to tell. There are the seasoned veterans like I mentioned before, there are our current day veterans of modern wars, and of course our brave men and women fighting for freedom elsewhere this very day.
I believe right or wrong, justified or not, these difficult times galvanize us. These experiences make us stronger as a people, this is how we emerge victorious and free in the face of adversity.
These sacrifices and victories allow for us to enjoy a ball game, catch a fight, see a race, or go to a football game no matter which football is the one for you.
We are passionate about our loves and loyalties. I hope we all take the time to share that with someone who stood before us to make it possible.
If you are one of the many proud honorable veterans I speak of, my hat is off, my knee is bent, I thank you.
23 comments Last one added 3 months ago — Leave a Comment
Todd Jackson 7 months ago
My daughter had an assignment for 5th grade. She was to do something special for the community with regards to veterans day. She is always checking out my BR banter and decided to ask me to write an article, and she would edit the article for me as her contribution. I hope she gets a good grade on editing, Im a mess with my composure most of the time.
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Bryan Goldberg 7 months ago
I'm sure she will — great piece!
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
Thank you for your kind words Bryan.
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Brian Oswald 7 months ago
Great article. One of you best. It stopped my day, and for an extended moment, I reflected on what you spoke of. When I venture out into NYC today, I will look for my opportunity to exend a gesture and show appreciation. Thanks for putting things in perspective. And tell your daughter she did a fine job editing and her father is well respected among his peers on the site. God Bless America!
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
Brian it is an honor to read that coming from you. Thank you for your kind words. It sort of just donned on us, we were beating ourselves up this morning trying to think of something truly meaningful. I personally asked Joseph L to take a gander as I know he too is a veteran. I hope he appreciates it. As for my daughter she will take this article to school and be named the editor. I will seek Mr. Lindsay out and put a copy in his hands. That should get her a passing grade for her contribution to our community of veterans I think. She inspired it and deserves the credit. Thanks again Brian. Take care my friend.
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Joseph Lupoli 7 months ago
You must have quite a daughter, Todd.
And that was a very inspirational article.
Call it a coincidence, but when I arrived home from work about 20-minutes ago, I instinctively checked the mail. And the empty mailbox reminded me that it's Veterans Day. So, after my usual: "Honey, I'm home!" I jokingly said to my wife, "The Government should give me ten-grand every Veterans Day.
It was only after she replied, "Yes, they should," that I told her I was just kidding. I went on to briefly rehash what she already knew -- that I was never in any war. Small scale covert operations in Somalia and in Angola is hardly D Day or Iwo Jima.
Sure, I took a small caliber bullet in the back, but it was shot from a good distance away and the bullet bounced off a rib and did no real harm. During the same tour, a small rock kicked up by a mortar hit the side of my eye, and I was stitched up in no time. Only a small scar remains.
A war hero is one thing I'm sure I'm not. A routine Veteran like millions of others who've never been in a single real battle is what I am.
The Mr. Lindsey's of the Military are the real hero's.
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
Hello Mr. Lupoli,
My name is Caseya Jackson. I am 10 years old, Todd Jacksons daughter. I want to thank you personaly for your commitment to this great country. Was it scary to be harmed in war? I would be scared. I wish you a happy vetrans day. We also will be holding a friends and family bbq to celebrate our freedom. We owe you alll due respect on this vetrans day.
yours truly,
Caseya Jackson
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Dorothy Willis 7 months ago
You and your daughter had a grand idea and executed it very well. Congratulations to you both for "getting it!" I wish everyone was like you. My father was a Navy veteran. If he had lived and someone had extended their hand to him, he would have been surprised beyond words. Serving your country was just something a man did and took for granted that was the thing to do. There were no questions, it was just a duty men performed. Nothing much was expected in return. How lovely that your daughter's project brightened one deserving veteran's day and shared it with us at B/R!
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
If I have one regret in life it is not putting it all on the line and serving my country. No excuses. I became a father a bit early and alas was steered another direction. Not a day goes by I wish I could have followed in the footsteps of my grandfather, the last respectable Jackson. I chose another path, and it has served me well. I will keep on it, and never forget the reason I am fortunate enough to be the proud father I am.
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Dorothy Willis 7 months ago
Be the best father you can be; believe me there are not enough around and you will be a hero to your children if you keep your priorities straight. That is a big and honorable job which will contribute to society and your country as well.
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Joseph Lupoli 7 months ago
You're the hero, Todd, for being responsible to your family. Anybody can pull a trigger, then sit around for months on end, bored stiff until the next round of gunshots are heard.
You regret not serving the Military? Forget it. There's no glory when your surrounded by armed prepubescent rebels, and all you can do is wait and sweat until they're close enough to see, but not close enough to see you first.
You're smart to have stayed out to raise a fine family.
And thank you Caseya, for editing your Dad's thoughtful tribute to the Veterans. And thank very much you for personally addressing me. I won't forget this.
Hugs, Joseph
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
Joseph, thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my little girl. She was beaming when she read some of these comments. You caught her attention especially.
I also appreciate the words of encouragement, it is something that weighs heavily on my heart. I am pretty proud as a man, I dont move until I know I can do so with conviction. When I move I dont waiver. That was a move I hesitated on and wound up not pursuing. I often wonder how my life would have gone, but as Im sure you can tell, I wouldnt change it for the world at this point.
I hope this little idea of ours brightened your day a bit. Now on with the sports talk eh.
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L.J. Burgess 7 months ago
Thanks...
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
The pleasure was all ours L.J. Thank you and take care.
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Mary Jo Buchanan 7 months ago
Wonderful tribute to those who have and do keep us free.
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
I felt like writing yesterday, my daughter needed to do something meaningful for veterans, it came together quite nicely I think. I was dissapointed it didnt garner more attention, I wanted everyone to read this. Not for my selfish reasons but because it hits close to home. I hope those that read, enjoyed it. Thanks for commenting.
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Rojo Grande 7 months ago
Thank you, Todd and Caseya for your tribute. It's understood that a nation is grateful for the service of its veterans, but to hear it (or read it) is special.
A wise man once said "If it aint worth dyin' for, it aint worth livin' for".
Our country is worth it.
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
I thank you for reading and commenting. I really like the quote. How true that is. My daughter lit up like sunlight reading some of the responses. She is very proud of her idea, and so am I. Thank you again.
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Anthony Elias 7 months ago
Great Article. We don't realize how lucky we are.
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
Thank you Anthony. Your spot on, many dont realize. Hopefully time will change that and more will come to appreciate those who sacrificed so they could be the people they are today. Thanks for reading, take care.
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Michael Oleszek 7 months ago
Incredible. My Grandfather was a WWII vet, USMC Ret. He signed up the day after Pearl Harbor, fought in the Pacific Theatre. Later became a NY state trooper and then a police chief in his hometown. A huge sports fan of Notre Dame football, as well as an avid hunter and fisherman, it was a very sad day when he passed away a little over three years ago.
My POTD.
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Todd Jackson 7 months ago
Thank you Michael. How brave your grandfather must have been to dive right into the face of adversity and conquer his fears to protect his country. How enviable. It sounds he did his part to make this world a better place, we owe him our thanks. Thank you for reading and commenting. This worked out better than I could have imagined. I owe this whole thing to my daughter. She is a gem. Thanks for the pick I will let her know. Take care of yourself sir.
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John Louie Ramos 3 months ago
wow, you know I am thankful for the US government for helping our veterans here at the Philippines who fought side by side with your American veterans in world war2.. honor is due to those guys.. =)
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