The Juxtaposition of Kristallnacht and Veterans' Day

 I am a peace activist who has been deeply inspired by the stories shared with me by generous veterans.

To me, the juxtaposition of Kristallnacht and Veterans Day is particularly meaningful. I shudder to think about how much worse the horrors of the past could have been if we had not intervened. The “we” who ended up saving the world back then were young souls, leaving their homes and families, their schools and jobs, risking their comfort… and their lives… for the ideals of liberty, equality, and the pursuit of happiness. I thank them and their families.

But it was not just in World Wars that veterans have stepped up to help. I’ve learned through oral history projects about the peacekeeping projects, the food drops, the work for orphans, and so much more. Then, just this year, I saw how the National Guard worked tirelessly to get the first of us vaccinated in the megacenters. Where there is a need, veterans step up.

This is not a perfect world. There are abuses of power throughout humanity’s timeline. It is crucial that we remember to keep our individual values and our societal values in check at all times. We need to keep accountability for all, and always aim for a kinder and more transparent existence.

One way to do this is to speak with veterans and their families. Ask them what they’ve learned. Thank them for their service. They have seen things out of the ordinary. There is trauma in the past; be mindful of that. Honor their pride.

Another way to do this is to look at our world now. Where do we see injustices and mistruths? Where do people feel insecure? Ask yourself how you can help. Though we are not all veterans, we all can offer our service to mankind. Err toward kindness.

We can be peacekeepers by listening to one another, by accepting that our stories may be different but our humanity is the same.

We can be peacekeepers by honoring the stories of those who came before us and by reaching out to parents who miss their grown children who are out there serving our nation and our world.

We can be peacekeepers by staying informed and demanding a fair and kind society which protects those in need of protection.

Thank you to all the Veterans who have touched my life and who have added to my own humanity.