Give Everything to Those Who Offered All
By Patrick Davison
Every year, we walk past hundreds of veterans. Next time, let’s all extend a hand of gratitude.
Forty-one million Americans have served our country in the last 246 years, that is no small amount. Take for instance the population of New York City, the largest city in the country, which stands at an impressive 8.399 million. It would take almost five New York Cities to amount to the number of veterans this country has had. A simple Google search will give that information to you, but slightly less easy to find the numbers on is this; how many veterans do we see struggling every day? We as the American people take one day out of each year to remember the fallen, and one day to remember the ones still with us. Today, November 11, is the day we remember those brave individuals.
The American Legion is something that I’m sure many of us are familiar with. A mainstay in many small towns, including our own here in Buena Vista, is an association with a simple mission. I would like to highlight one part of their Preamble: “To preserve the memories and incidents of our associations in all wars.” Not only does this line embody the Legion’s commitment to veterans, but this also extends to the families of veterans and the community the Legion is in.
Buena Vista’s American Legion, in the Buena Vista War Memorial Building, has been a staple of the community since 1954, and strives to be an active ally to the people of Buena Vista! Each first Saturday of the month the American Legion hosts a flea market, where locals can come in and have a space to sell goods and reconnect. I’ve had the pleasure of visiting two of these markets and both times there have been smiles, friendly faces, and plenty of wonderful baked goods! They also have an event coming up for veterans and their families on the 19th of November, a veterans appreciation day. Many of the Legions across America do things much like this, and their work is appreciated by many. Even if they don’t actively stand in the spotlight, they are always working behind the scenes.
I personally have an incredible fondness and appreciation for the Legion. In 2016, I received a letter from my local legion offering a position in that summer’s Boy’s State, a week-long program around local government and how important it is. While I have no desire to work in a public office or the government, I learned much about why it is essential, how it functions, and how the gears in the machine turn. My trip was completely sponsored by them, and as a 16 year old kid, I didn’t realize how generous and life changing it would be. It just goes to show that the Legion looks after not just those that have served, but also the future generations of the community they serve.
Many of the people at the flea market were veterans themselves or families of veterans, and I had the opportunity to speak with a number of them. Many of them spoke fondly of the Legion, all it has done for them, and the friends they had made there, but they also spoke fondly of those who had served and the experiences they had while serving. Ken Brow, a veteran of the Navy, spoke shortly and clearly. “I would do it again,” he stated. Brow served from 1958 until 1962 and emphasized the importance of safety. He talked about his time on ships and how safety was essential to everyday function.
Lewis Graybill, who spent time both in medical and surgical units, was preparing to leave for Vietnam, but missed the war by three days. He proceeded to spend 16 years in the reserves. I asked him if there was anything that he wished he could go back and tell himself on the date of his enlistment, and he only had one thing to say: “do it right.” Graybill is a pillar of this community as well, and a huge fan of Southern Virginia University’s musicals! He expressed his excitement for the current show Bright Star, and is hoping to make it before the runs end.
Gary Serra, a talented woodworker, is another staple of the flea market, and he has some of the most wonderful designs and beautiful wood. Also, you didn’t hear it from me, but he makes a wonderful beef jerky, in some of the best flavors. He isn’t doing any right now, but check in with him next summer and see for yourself! Upon asking about his experiences with veterans and Veteran’s Day, he responded simply and perfectly, “Without them, we wouldn’t have the United States.”
The last person that I had the pleasure of speaking to was Kenneth Stuart, a Marine, who served our country diligently and proudly for eight years. He has traveled far and had many wonderful experiences and stories to tell, and my only regret was not talking to him longer! A kind and honest man, he is the embodiment of what a veteran is. Somebody who was willing to give anything and everything up for his country. Upon asking him what he would tell his past self given the opportunity, he said only, “You should do this again.” I also asked what he felt the greatest lesson he learned in his time serving was, and he chuckled and said with a smile, “Learning to listen.” Kenneth is a great man, and I am privileged to have had the chance to meet him, let alone interview him. Our veterans went through so much more than many of us can even imagine, and the least we can do is observe the one day a year that we have designated for them.
I implore you, on this Veteran’s day, reach out to your local Legion, or better yet, somebody you know who served, someone who was willing to give everything for the protection of our freedom, and remind them how much their service meant to you. Without them, truly, we would not be enjoying the same liberties we currently do. Each of them contributed much to where we are now as a country and as a people. This Veteran’s Day, give back to those who offered to give us everything.
