Here in Cook County, when we think of Veterans Day, we share common memories and a level of predictability in how we honor our veterans. Our local tradition includes ads in the Cook County News- Herald, which honor the men and women who have served our country and protected both democracy and freedom. Like clockwork, I.S.D. 166 hosts a 2:00 p.m. program on November 11, including inspirational stories provided by local veterans, along with patriotic music provided by both the band and the choir. It is a time and place for our local students, families, and the broader community gather together. Following the school program, there is a meal for veterans and their spouses, served in recent years at Grandma Ray’s. Those who gather for that meal share their stories, camaraderie, and remind the rest of us about the significance of their service to our country.
Not this year, not with the COVID-19 pandemic. As a former social studies teacher, I think back to lessons learned and lessons taught.
In 1918, on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, World War I, the Great War, came to an end. That morning, the Germans, lacking supplies and soldiers, were faced with an impending invasion by the Allies. The Germans signed the armistice in France, bringing “the war to end all wars” to an end.
Unfortunately, wars did not end. History has repeated itself. Here in Cook County, we have veterans who have served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and conflicts such as the Bay of Pigs, and those in the Middle East and Africa. So many stories to tell: stories of sadness, courage, loneliness, and patriotism.
Now let’s flip back the pages of our history book to the last nine months of World War I. That was the same time the “Spanish Flu” or great influenza pandemic was spreading. Soldiers returning home from war had a significant impact on its spread. At that time, there was not much understanding of pandemics and spread.
Here we are, just over a hundred years later, fighting a similar battle. History is repeating itself.
We are fighting another pandemic; we are fighting the novel coronavirus. What’s different? We have learned many lessons since World War I. We have learned, in particular, many lessons in the last nine months about how COVID-19 began, how it spread, and what today we can do to reduce its spread.
My grandfather, a World War I veteran, taught me the importance of both community and safety. I think about my grandfather, in particular, around Veterans Day, and I am thinking lots about Grandpa Purl this year! If he were here, he would not want a program at school. He would not want all our veterans and their families to gather for a meal. He would want everyone to be safe. Our veterans served to keep us free and safe. This Veterans Day, we all are “fighting” for our veteran’s health and safety. The best way to honor veterans this year is to forgo our normal local traditions. Instead, call a veteran or “zoom” a veteran and thank him or her for their service. Ask them to share a story; let them know how much you appreciate all they have done for us! Wear your mask, wash your hands, use appropriate social distancing, and keep our veterans and their community safe.
To those in uniform currently serving and those who have served in the past, we honor you and thank you for your service!
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