10 November

Somewhere out there, a veteran listens as coworkers thank him for his service. He smiles, nods, and changes the subject. Gratitude is appreciated, but it also reminds him of the price he has paid — something that few people understand.

Somewhere out there, a manager plans a tribute: photos in the lobby, a slideshow at all-hands, a “moment of silence.” She wants to show appreciation, to honor the veterans who have sacrificed so much.

Consider this:

The instinct to honor comes from the same place as the longing to be understood.