Every time I hear the Star Spangled Banner, I get a little chill and a few tears come to my eyes; same thing happens with America the Beautiful. When I say that, it makes me sound emotional and a little sappy, and frankly, I am neither. In fact, I am probably a little too stoic for my own good. But those songs strike a chord deep within my soul. I feel the same way when I see the flag pass by in a parade or a soldier dressed in a crisp uniform.
Today is Veteran’s Day. My office is blessed with four veterans – three men and one woman. Each served this country proudly and at least one still bears some of the leftover scars of Viet Nam. Thinking about the men and women who served our country in the past and who are serving today, I am reminded of how much we owe each and every one. I am reminded that America is still beautiful because of their commitment to maintaining our freedom and to their courage . . . their valor.
Valor literally means strength; strength of mind that enables a person to face danger bravely and firmly; strength that creates heroes. The goal of a soldier is victory, which we all know means to win; to conquer against all odds; to prevail and to achieve success in a struggle; or to overcome an obstacle.
Parties facing legal struggles, including divorce and custody battles, want to prevail. Like soldiers, the clients and the attorneys march forward; sometimes we do not count the cost. We forget to bring valor into the equation; we leave heroic strength behind like a fallen comrade, hoping to retrieve it later, when there is a lull in the fighting.
The problem with leaving valor behind is that we fail to take the steps needed to achieve a positive result. We scorch the earth and throw grenades from behind our bunkers, but we rarely display the bravery necessary for justice. If valor is in the mix, combating parents can become brave enough to put the children first and to recognize that guerilla warfare may not be in the long-term best interest of the family. A final order can only work as a peace treaty if there is valor present.
In 1918, in the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, World War I came to a long-awaited end with the cease-fire (armistice) between battle weary German forces and the Allied troops. Although the Treaty of Versailles was not signed until June of 1919, the war was, for all intents and purposes, over. In 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11th as the first Armistice Day in remembrance of all of the lives which were tragically lost in the war. In proclaiming November 11th, now called Veteran’s Day, a national holiday, Congress called upon the nation to “perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding.”
Today we honor our military personnel for their valor and their courage under fire. We salute their willingness to put the lives and welfare of others ahead of their own. We hope that we at home can live up to the sacrifices our armed forces are willing – even eager – to make for us. We pray that we can be as brave, honorable and noble on the home front and in our daily lives as our soldiers are overseas.
Victory is sometimes called ‘hollow’ or ‘empty’; winning isn’t everything, and sometimes it is nothing. Over and over we hear “at what price victory?” Valor is always steady, always true and always certain. Which will you choose?
Syd’s Law: For Our Soldiers...(and for those who battle here at home): "Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." – Joshua 1:9
