Liberty Enlightening the World

As it turns out, holidays aren't just the days that we have off of work, or the ones that are celebrated with large amounts of food or the giving and receiving of presents (so I told myself as I got ready for work this morning knowing that well-over half of my counterparts around this Capitol city that I call home were still fast asleep - "at least I'll get a seat on the Metro" was my only consolation).

On my short trip into work, I had an attitude change... though admittedly, it's not hard for me to embrace a day that honors our servicemen and women, past and present. Once I put my selfish bitterness of wanting a day off behind me, I was able to see much clearer.

I thought about all of the freedoms I have thanks to the service of our brave men and women - those that I all too often take for granted. I'm recently back from a short trip to New York City where we climbed our way up into the crown of the beautiful Lady Liberty; there just isn't another place on Earth in my humble opinion that elicits the emotions that a few hundred steps up a small, winding staircase conjure up about this Country... our home.

I might never have had the same experience with our fair Lady that those who were greeted by her at the end of a very long journey in which they risked their lives to come to our great country had, but we all enjoy the same limitless opportunities and freedoms that she stands for. Those that our founding fathers dreamed into place and those that we as citizens have the responsibility to protect... which, throughout history, has meant that some of our loved ones must be sent into harm's way. It is for those people that we have this holiday.

Who knew so many thoughts could come about during an undisturbed metro ride; and, lest you think otherwise, my ramblings here aren't meant to induce a conversation about immigrant rights in the grand US of A or military involvement... it's just me here, folks.

Though you can't go very far where we live without a reminder of why today is a real holiday, for many, sadly enough, Veteran's Day is just another day... and for those lucky ones, 'just another day' that they don't have to go to work. That's not to say there aren't many companies and people who don't go out of their way to make today special - but somehow, I think most of us miss the real meaning of this important day.

Today during my lunch hour, I was fortunate to have a chance to get involved in an effort to support military families but understandably not everyone has something so convenient. Perhaps, then, just look around... a simple "thank you" to a veteran or active duty military, or the family of a serviceman or woman, works just as well.

Now... off my soapbox - am I the only one who didn't know that the Statue of Liberty's official title is "Liberty Enlightening the World" and that her right foot is raised symbolizing forward movement? Both little (known?) facts are quite fitting however... and even more so on a day that commemorates those who fight for our freedom at home and abroad, bringing that sense of liberty with them.

THANK YOU to all those who have served, are serving or are family of the military sacrificing here on the home-front. We are more grateful than you know.
**Important info regarding crown access (and seriously, you want to get to the crown): It re-opened to the public on July 4, 2009, but for only a limited time - so run, don't walk and reserve your tickets!