Dear Agent,
It is Veteran's Day. The bank next door to our office is closed. It strikes me as odd that banking institutions - that industry segment who did the most to cripple life as we know it in the U.S. - is taking a holiday on the very date we should be celebrating those active and former members of our Armed Forces - especially those who were themselves crippled or killed or lost loved ones in the ultimate sacrifice to keep our nation strong.
Texas All Risk is a small company, with just over 30 employees; and like most insurance organizations, mostly women. Yet, of our 5 male employees, 3 of us are Viet-Nam era Vets - 2 saw combat. My step-son is an Army Ranger Combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan. One of our UW assistants' husband is a Combat Veteran having served a year in Iraq. Another UW has 3 brothers who served - 2 in Viet-Nam and 1 in the current conflict. Our Claims Assistant husband served and 2 of our employees have sons on active duty right now, both having served in the Middle East. And still 3 more have husbands or brothers who fought in Viet-Nam.
And as it turns out, ALL of these people who are still alive are working today while banking institutions go on holiday.
As a veteran I can tell you this; every vet holds their service experience in a separate place - a compartment - inside their mind. And every vet deeply appreciates an unbidden "Thanks for your service", especially when it comes from people outside their family. They may not light up with emotion on the outside, but inwardly your thanks is tremendously rewarding. It allows us to feel a certain gratification for the memories we keep tucked away.
Thank a vet today. And if you served, I Salute You.
David Day
Owner
I agree with David 100%. The very industries that have screwed our country are enjoying a day off, at our expense.
I'm sure that David isn't the only person that feels this way. We do, and I'm sure the majority of Americans feel the same way too.
I'm sure that David isn't the only person that feels this way. We do, and I'm sure the majority of Americans feel the same way too.
Thank you to my uncle, General Juan Ayala, for your service. And, thank you to all of those who have served past and present, so that we may have our freedoms that we take for granted so often.
