From the President’s Desk

Rick Lindemann

Happy Belated Veterans Day.

Many of our ESA members are veterans and I’m guessing that almost all of our member companies employ veterans.   I hope everyone took a minute to step back and reflect on the importance of honoring our veterans.

 A few years ago, we had our Fall Tech meeting in New Orleans. One of our tours was of the World War II museum. I hadn’t given it much thought about that war up until then. Seeing the videos, looking at the exhibits and listening to the audio clips in the museum, it made me think about the young men and women that risked their lives and how many gave their lives to fight evil in a foreign land. It’s a very sobering experience but I’d recommend a visit, if you get the chance.

Today our military is 100% volunteer unlike the draft of years ago. These young men and women willingly offer to serve our country. They defend and protect all of us as well as assist other countries abroad. It takes a special person to step up and do that job. You could argue that they are doing it for the benefits and perks, but I will guarantee it’s not the “Easy Button.”

There are countless ways to pay our respects to our vets:

  • Do push-ups like “Iron Man Turner” for veteran suicide awareness.
  • Donate to a worthy veteran cause
  • Pay for a soldier’s meal.

Please give thanks to the men and women that allow us the freedom to live and work as we do in this country.

For those who didn’t know, before June 1, 1954 Veterans Day was Armistice Day. I had to look up the meaning of Armistice Day because I had forgotten my history lessons from my younger years.

How significant the date, the 11th day of the 11th month at the 11th hour in 1918. In 1954 it was changed to honor all Vets and not just those from WWI.

I just had to look up the meaning of Armistice [ˈärməstəs]

              NOUN. An agreement made by opposing sides in a war to stop fighting for a certain time; a truce.

             Armistice: Formal Agreement: An armistice is a formal agreement of warring parties to stop fighting. It is not necessarily the end of a war, as it may constitute only a cessation of hostilities while an attempt is made to negotiate a lasting peace. It is derived from the Latin arma, meaning “arms” and -stitium, meaning “a stopping”.

 

 Coincidence that Armistice day is shortly after election day?

 Maybe we should have Veterans Day and Armistice Day.

 

 

 

 

 

‘Till next month.

 

Best Regards,

Rick Lindemann