Personal connection to 106 years of honoring veterans

Veterans Day 2024 holds special significance as it marks 106 years since the end of World War I, which formally concluded on November 11, 1918, at the 11^th hour of the 11^th day of the 11^th month.

Originally known as Armistice Day, it was established to honor the end of WWI and the sacrifices made by those who served. The day was later renamed Veterans Day in 1954 to recognize all U.S. veterans, both living and deceased, from all wars.

In 2024, Veterans Day continues to be a meaningful occasion for the nation, as it highlights not only the dedication and sacrifices of veterans but also the ongoing challenges they face, such as access to healthcare, mental health support, employment, and housing. This day serves as an opportunity for communities across the United States to come together, show gratitude, and advocate for the well-being of veterans and their families.

For me, this day reminds me of the lessons I learned as a young officer, the interconnectedness I share with my veteran friends, and my family’s long tradition of service in the United States Military

First, I am a proud United States Air Force Veteran and 100 percent disabled. By definition, I am a combat veteran; however, I prefer to reserve that distinction for those who actually engaged the enemy, exchanged gunfire, and witnessed destruction and/or loss of life. As a young Mortuary Officer, I had the opportunity to care for fallen military members and fulfill our nation’s commitment of ensuring dignity, honor, and respect for deceased comrades. Acting as an intermediary between the U.S. government and grieving families, I learned three tough lessons in that role that have shaped every facet of my professional life: the priority of work must be excellence; the easy way is neither the best way nor my way; and the opportunity to serve others in great need is a great honor. If you know me or my work, then you have witnessed how hard I work on my projects, for my clients, and my devotion to community service and philanthropy.

Second, Veteran’s Day warms my heart because of the interconnectedness that exists among military members who served our nation. I am so proud to belong to this elite cohort of patriots, servants, warfighters, and trailblazers. You must know, among comrades, there is mutual appreciation for answering the call to serve the nation; mutual respect for sacrificing youth, health, dreams and family in effort to fulfill sworn duties; and mutual gratitude for those among us who demonstrated extraordinary bravery, supported warfighters, or maintained day-to-day operations. Every service member contributes to the military’s mission and work must be performed with great integrity and attention to detail – artillery, infantry, flying, cooking, packing parachutes, aircraft maintenance, recruiting, drill instructors, and combat journalism. Simply put, everyone matters in the military.

Finally, Veterans Day reminds me of my robust family tree and our tradition of military service. Within my family, our history of service in the United States military dates back to the American Revolutionary War, through many conflicts both foreign and domestic. They include:

• Lt Col JOHAN LOUNDES and Captain WILLIAM BOWDEN who fought against British rule and for American sovereignty in the American Revolution.
• Captain CHARLES WILLIAMS who fought in the War of 1812 against Great Britain.
• Private MOSES PHILLIPS. A freeman of color who enlisted in the Union Army in 1864 – U.S. Colored Troops, Regiment 6, Company D during the Civil War. He was COUNTED as a person upon enlistment and not as property.
• Corporal HOMER MALACHY PHILLIPS, serving in the Third Battalion, 24th Infantry, a BUFFALO soldier regiment, I Company, in 1917 who survived race riots in Texas waged against soldiers of color.
• My great-uncle HAROLD PHILLIPS, a Montfort Point Marine who served during WWII. His unit was credited with DESEGREGATING the United States Marine Corp – ENDURING HOSTILITIES ON THE BATTLEFIELD AND WITHIN ITS RANKS. An honor recognized with the Congressional Gold Medal in 2011.
• My grandfather, Sergeant First Class WILLIAM BRYANT. A soldier who grew up fatherless and raised mainly by great neighbors. He enlisted in the U.S. Army, served during WWII in Northern Africa and was among the battalion of men waiting to defeat the Nazi Desert Fox General Erwin Rommel … who never showed up.
• My father, Sergeant Major JOHN A HILL. Another soldier who enlisted in the Army after graduating from Burlington High School in 1959. My dad was a track and field star … with records that still stand 60 years later. He served 30 years in the Army, did two tours in Korea and one in Vietnam, a Signal Soldier. He doesn’t talk about any of it, but he earned a Legion of Merit, became a Sergeant Major, and is demanding.

These great men came before me and raised their hands to fight for American freedom, liberties, and way of life. With great pride, I know my family embodies this quote from our 40^th President Ronald Reagan:

“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”

God Bless the United States of America and all of our Veterans!

Tiffanie Ditlevson is a realtor, veteran, and mom who serves as an At-Large member of the Fishers City Council. Email her at tiffanie.ditlevson@talktotucker.com.