The unlimited light of service
An American flag in Woodstock, Vt., on July 4, 2020. (Gareth Henderson File Photo)
As the sunlight shined in through my window this morning, I already knew the impact of this radiance went far beyond my own benefit. The light spread throughout the community, blessing everyone in its path with energy, sustenance, and illumination — all from an infinite source.
When I think of Veterans Day, and the sacrifices so many have made for our country, I’m in awe at the vast nature of that goodness, that steadfast cultivation of a life of service to others. Like the very sunlight, it goes beyond just one interaction or a few points of impact. It’s there to help everyone, and the good our veterans have expressed is beyond measure.
This profound impact is so deserving of our recognition, and indeed, it has helped form the very bedrock of our nation and is intrinsic to its story. In Vermont, Gov. Phil Scott and Lt. Gov. Molly Gray each thanked and honored our veterans in statements on Thursday.
“Thousands of Vermonters have served our country over the course of American history, and too many never made it home,” Scott said. “From the Green Mountain boys who joined the fight for independence; to a war that saved the Union, and two wars that would encircle the world; to Korea and Vietnam and the Middle East, and our F-16s defending the skies above Ground Zero on September 11, 2001; Vermonters have always answered our nation’s call.”
Both made appeals to Americans to honor and appreciate this great record of sacrifice.
“Thank you to our veterans, their families and our future veterans – our active duty troops – for your commitment, your sacrifice, and your courage. We are forever indebted to your service,” Gray said.
As we honor the incredible work of our veterans, one attribute in particular stands out: resolve. That quality of unwavering resolve to serve others and uphold the higher good, even under extreme challenges, holds an important lesson for the rest of us. Sunlight shines not just for one person, but for everyone. If we combine that concept with a broad definition of service, then we can know that anytime we help another person, we’re serving the greater good. And we can always build on that good to accomplish great things in life.
Any unselfish act has a ripple effect into the greater community, and adds to a storehouse of goodness and light we can always access. It’s uplifting to know that we have so many wonderful examples of service to look up to in this nation, and, every day, we can be part of expanding on that firm foundation.
— Gareth Henderson
