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Our weekly news column bringing the most current, non-biased health
information to the consumer. |
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November 11, 2008 |
A Publication of QVHD |
Living History
By: V. Deborah Culligan, RN, MPH,
Deputy Director QVHD
Holidays off from work and
school, like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Veteran's Day were welcome
breaks from the usual routine. Not much thought went into them. But that
changed when my boys were little. At my father's urging, I took my two
young sons to the Veteran's Day Ceremony on the town green. They were
the only children there. Though the celebration was very brief, I knew
that the time I had invested was paid back 1,000 times over when my
youngest son told his dad about the day's activities. “We went to a
place to remember the soldiers who died to keep us free and safe” he
proudly stated. Since that time, we have gone every year, bringing more
children with us each time we go.
Veteran's Day is a time to remember those who serve and served this
country to protect our freedom, part of our lifestyle that we take for
granted every day. Veteran's Day provides parents with a great
opportunity to discuss the concept of freedom with their children. What
does “free and safe” really mean to a child? I frequently hear the
phrase “I don't have to do that. It's a free country.” Kids don't really
have an inkling about what freedom means or what freedom costs. For that
matter, how many of us have ever truly reflected on the route to
freedom?
Yes, for most of us in today's parenting generation, Veteran's Day is
just another day off… “a time to do the mall.” It's obscure in its
placement on the calendar, smack in the middle of November. It's not the
grand kick-off to the start of a season. Ceremonies are held at
inconvenient times, smack in the middle of the day. But did you know
that there is a reason why ceremonies are held in the 11 th month, on
the 11 th day, at 11:00 a.m.? Find out why and share this history with
your children.
Don't make it just another day off this year. I urge you to bring your
children to a Veteran's Day ceremony this year. The event is short. It
is solemn. If you look closely, you will see tears in the eyes of the
soldiers. Look into their faces as Taps is played. You will gain an
insight to a time in history that had a great impact on the life you
live today. Honor these men and women by being part of their special
hour. The World War II veterans are diminishing in number every day.
They were part of the “greatest generation.” There is not much time left
to get to know them or their story. Their “living history” of times past
will begin to disappear. It will be our job to carry forth in our hearts
and memories our veteran's commitment to freedom in order to pass it on
to our children so they can pass it on to the future generations. We
need to give our children a foundation more meaningful than the pursuit
of I-tunes, text-messaging, American Idol, Uggs and shopping at the
mall. The freedom under which we live came at a cost. Let us honor those
who helped to keep us free. Comments can be directed to D. Culligan,
QVHD, 1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven , 06473 or email to
dculligan@qvhd.org.
| An Ounce of Prevention is a
publication of the Quinnipiack Valley Health District, located at
1151 Hartford Turnpike, North Haven, CT 06473. Telephone:
248-4528. An Ounce of Prevention is
written by V. Deborah Culligan. The articles are published in the following local newspapers, The Advisor &
Beth-Wood News.
The content is provided as health education and
information to help you make health decisions. It is not intended to
be legal or medical advice, or substitute for recommendations made
by your health care provider. Address all comments to the district
office. |
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