Veterans and Their Stories
Freedom is not free. How many times has this been said… and still, most take our country’s freedom for granted, or for themselves. The USS Midway Museum in Washington, D.C., is taking steps to ensure history is not just written but spoken. Vets of several wars, primarily Vietnam, are recording their experiences during and after the “conflict.” According to Phil Eakin, the navigator on the USS Higbee in 1972, the first destroyer bombed in Vietnam, “Written history is important for future generations, but, by its nature, unless it’s autobiographical, is distant and sanitized. Oral history provides a record of somebody who was there.”
Although our WWI Veterans are no longer with us, there are Veterans of WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and more recent wars. War does not come without consequences. PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) was not recognized or treated until 1980. The Korean War ended in 1953, and the Vietnam War ended in 1975. Past soldiers typically did not discuss experiences on the battlefield or their fears, and at times turned to addictions and “improper” emotional manifestations. Today, PTSD treatments emphasize support groups and sharing stories. Generations learn the cost of freedom, subsequently appreciating the men and women who made liberty a priority.
Every veteran carries within them a unique and deeply personal story, often marked by sacrifice, resilience, and moments that shaped the course of their lives forever. Some recall the camaraderie of brothers and sisters in arms, while others live with vivid memories of hardship, loss, and survival against impossible odds. These stories are not simply battlefield accounts; they are reflections of courage, endurance, and the human spirit under pressure. Preserving them ensures that future generations understand that freedom was not freely given, but earned through pain, perseverance, and selfless service. By valuing these narratives, we honor not only the veterans themselves but also the lessons they impart about unity, resilience, and the costs of liberty.
This writer never heard a story about war from her father, a Korean War veteran. Until she was well into her fifties, she had not experienced the tales of an Ex-serviceman / Ex-servicewoman until working with Seniors in a medical role. Stories of finding Germans frozen to their machine guns at Bastogne, storming the beaches of Normandy, pictures of a Nazi death camp survivor, and accounts of hot, mosquito-infested camps… all strengthened my appreciation for our country.
Listen and share the stories of those who built and maintained the freedom enjoyed today, so others may also learn to appreciate what others have given. Make history personal. If you have a story to tell, please record it both verbally and in written form. Help future generations understand what changed and what stayed the same. Veterans are America’s heroes–heroes for all ages.
Bridge to Better Living recognizes the sacrifices and heroism of each Veteran they serve, as well as their families. We listen. We understand. We appreciate. Our no-cost-to-client services demonstrate dedication to “Placement with Passion®.” If you are a Veteran, related to a Veteran, or know a Veteran, contact Bridge to Better Living today. We care about YOU and are eager to hear your stories.