Veterans have earned our respect

I think we all can admit that Memorial Day this year will be much different than the ones we have experienced before. So much has happened in a short time. As we all begin navigating our life and livelihoods again, this Memorial Day provides an excellent opportunity to reflect in gratitude the great many sacrifices that have and continue to be made by the members and families of the Armed Forces. We stand on the shoulders of giants and live under a blanket of freedom only made possible by their sacrifices. Freedom is not free. It never has been. When we proudly proclaim, we live in a free country, that is not a license to act in callous disregard or in ignorance of the needs of others. Living in a free country requires us to understand that the freedom we enjoy was made possible by the selfless actions and sacrifices of others. My Dad and Grandpa were vets and continue to be heroes and role models. My Grandfather was a glider pilot during World War II. You must be a special kind of nuts to be a glider pilot. It was a one-way ticket across enemy lines to deliver needed troops and supplies silently, long before stealth. The gliders themselves were basic in every way. No engines, simple controls, mostly a floating box of wood and metal designed to be disposable. The term, "falling with style" might have been used to describe a glider but that would require a new definition of style yet to be created. Grandpa was one of five brothers who all enlisted during the war. He had only completed ninth grade and forged his high school graduation on his application to enlist in the Army Air Corps, now the Air Force. His brother George, a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne was killed during the D-Day assaults in Normandy, France. Grandpa was immensely proud of his service and adventures in Europe. His stories and pictures of his time in service were a kid's dream and living next door, I had the best seat in the house. My Dad was an acting sergeant, gunner in the 2nd Platoon, 3rd Infantry Division. Dad spent a great deal of his time in service in Bamberg Germany during the Korean War. Growing up, Dad rarely talked about his service. In fact, I knew truly little of his army days. That changed when our son Thomas began to take an interest in his Papa serving in the military. My Dad was the only veteran my son knew, and my Dad felt he had a tremendous responsibility and an openness to share with his Grandson and others followed. This change in perspective brought a newfound meaning and fulfillment to my Dad's service that I am sure even surprised him. It was an unexpected and unlikely connection between my Dad, my son, and me. Dad passed four years ago. The flag that covered his casket at his funeral was accepted by my Mom and son. It is proudly displayed in our home and serves as not only a connection to the past, but a beacon of promise and hope. We all stand on the shoulders of giants. Before we light the grill this weekend, let us take some time away from the noise and debates about personal freedom and liberties we are experiencing and gratefully reflect on the men and women who have served and continue to serve our country. Sadly, many of these men and women make up our most vulnerable populations at this time in our country and many live in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. The freedoms we boast are only possible because of them. How amazing it would be if we would collectively exercise our freedom and show our gratitude by doing what they did, act selflessly out of care and concern for others. As Nelson Mandela so aptly put it, "For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." Our courtesy, love, and respect for our elderly veterans is the very least we can do now. They've more than earned it. Mike Gocsik is President of Sunnyside Farm, LLC. He is a leadership development consultant that specializes in unique, equine-assisted retreats on their family's farm in Vermilion, Ohio. For more information visit www.sunnysidefarm.com.