This morning I got word that one of my beloved clients, a veteran of the Vietnam war, passed away. Today is November 11, 2024—Veterans Day. It’s a fitting tribute to Kent McNatt who not only served his country but served other veterans, volunteering his time and efforts to honor and support them.
With permission from his family, I'd like to share a little about this kind man. As a high school history teacher, he used his platform to engage students in learning about veterans through an annual event he put on called Veterans Appreciation Day. For many of his students, this was their first opportunity to talk with veterans about their experiences—even with those in their own family.
As we organized his memorabilia, I had the privilege of reading some of his students’ responses to that experience. His will be a lasting legacy of instilling understanding and gratitude toward those who sacrificed for the freedom we so easily take for granted.
In this season of Thanksgiving, it’s appropriate to take time to reflect on the leaders, soldiers, and civilians who played a role in developing and preserving the United States of America. It is through the sacrifice of many that we have much.
Remembering with Gratitude
The American Revolution
Thousands of soldiers and civilians endured hardship, disease, and death in battles such as Bunker Hill, Saratoga, and Yorktown—fighting for freedom. Under British law, the signers of the Declaration of Independence were committing treason against the Crown. These men lost fortunes and status and faced personal attacks and threats.
We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately. – Benjamin Franklin, (1706-1790)
The Abolitionist Movement and the Civil War
Abolitionists like Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and William Lloyd Garrison endured persecution, violence, and arrest in their campaign to end slavery. The Civil War cost the lives of approximately 620,000 people. President Abraham Lincoln faced intense criticism and personal danger, ultimately giving his life for the Union and for the cause of equality.
If there is no struggle, there is no progress. Those who profess to favor freedom, and deprecate agitation, are men who want crops without plowing up the ground, they want rain without thunder and lightning. --Frederick Douglass, abolitionist, former slave (1818-1895)
The Women’s Suffrage Movement
Securing voting rights for women was another significant battle. Suffragists such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and Alice Paul sacrificed personal security, enduring ridicule, imprisonment, and even force-feeding during hunger strikes. The fruit of their labor was the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920.
I know nothing of man’s rights, or woman’s rights; human rights are all that I recognize. --Sarah Moore Grimke (1792-1873)
Photo purchased from iStock
World War I and World War II
For every soldier who paid the ultimate price there’s a family who also paid dearly. During World War I, nearly five million Americans served, with thousands losing their lives in overseas combat. During World War II, over 400,000 American soldiers died, and millions more were wounded, both physically and psychologically. To support the war effort, civilians at home endured rationing and labor shortages.
The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation. --George Washington (1732-1799)
In subsequent wars we have not always honored our veterans. Kent was faithful to appreciate and esteem all those who served our country. We would do well to follow his example.
wise words
As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them. --John F. Kennedy
I am grateful for my dear friend, Kent. I am grateful for all those who have stood bravely with him to ensure the freedom we enjoy in the United States of America.