Labor Day: Remembering Those Who Served

As Labor Day approaches and the fall season begins, we pause to recognize the millions of Americans whose hard work has helped build and sustain this great nation.

But this Labor Day, I ask that we also remember a special group of Americans—our veterans.

Many of our veterans have had what I would call two careers.

The first was their career as parents, children, brothers, sisters, neighbors, friends, workers, and citizens. They worked to support their families, raised their children, contributed to their communities, and lived the everyday lives that make America strong.

Their second career was their military service.

Regardless of the branch of service, whether they were drafted or enlisted, each of us who wore the uniform stepped away from the civilian world and dedicated a portion of our lives to something larger than ourselves—the safety and security of the United States of America.

Every day, millions of Americans go to work. They operate businesses, build homes, teach our children, care for our sick, serve our communities, and work to provide a better life for themselves and their families.

At that very same time, somewhere around the world, American service members are standing watch.

They are doing their jobs so that the rest of us can do ours.

They protect our communities. They defend our Constitution. They safeguard the freedoms that allow us to worship as we choose, speak our minds, raise our families, build our businesses, and pursue the American dream.

That freedom has never been free.

It has been protected by generations of Americans who answered the call to serve. Some served during peacetime. Others served in times of war. Some came home to their families, while others made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned.

So, while we honor our brothers and sisters in the working world this Labor Day, let us not forget our brothers and sisters who have served—and those who continue to serve—in our military.

Their military service was more than a job. It was a commitment to our nation and to every American who depends upon the freedoms we sometimes take for granted.

On behalf of DAV Chapter 86 in Flagler County, I wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day.

And to our veterans and active-duty military:

Thank you for your service.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
Thank you for protecting the freedom we celebrate every day.

May God bless our veterans, our military, their families, and the United States of America.

Lawrence E. “Larry” Rekart
Commander, DAV Chapter 86
Flagler County, Florida