Veterans Day

In the definitive book on famous American writer J. D. Salinger called Salinger by David Shields and Shane Salerno, the authors give us an intimate portrait into the life and times of this mysterious man who became a household name for writing the classic novel The Catcher in the Rye. Salinger embarked on a writing career after attending several colleges and submitting short stories to The New Yorker, which often rejected them. When World War II broke out, Salinger was drafted to serve his country with the 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, and was present at Utah Beach on D-Day in the Battle of the Bulge, and the Battle of Hürtgen Forest. At every moment of his enlisted life, he carried with him writing drafts of The Catcher in the Rye in his backpack. Throughout the war, he would take time to shape his experiences into the characters in the novel. Generations remembered J. D. Salinger for his words, his books, his short stories, failure to publish new content, and his reclusive behavior. It was believed that beginning in 1961, Salinger would write almost every day. Yet failed to submit any of those works until after his death in 2010. Here at the Daily Coach, we celebrate J. D. Salinger for his selfless service in being part of three of the most significant battles in all of World War II.

On Veterans Day, and beyond there are so many ways for us to share our immense gratitude towards those men and women who have given the ultimate sacrifice. This example of Salinger is an illustration that probably his most significant achievement in life was not writing books, but serving his country. And there are probably many more men and women like J. D. Salinger who are famous for their skills, not their service.

So how can we best honor our Veterans?

1. Show up to the Veterans Day parade and thank them personally. We all owe a debt of honor to each one.

2. Donate our time, energy, and if we can make a financial contribution to Veterans Charity throughout the United States.

3. Spend time learning about Veterans’ work. Engage them in a conversation about what they had to overcome to allow us to enjoy our freedom.

4. Visit a Veterans Affairs hospital near you. You don’t have to know anyone to say thank you.

5. Visit Arlington National Cemetery or any local Veteran Cemetery and take time to learn the names of the men and women on the tombstones. Then Google their names and understand the service they provided.

Douglas A. Zembiec, who was often known as the “Lion of Fallujah” was an officer in the United States Marine Corps and a member of the CIA’s Special Activities Division’s Ground Branch. Zembiec was tragically killed in action while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Zembiec is a servant leader we should all know and thank the next time at Arlington National Cemetery. Douglas A. Zembiec is a hero and left behind the following words, which serve as a beautiful daily reminder.

From The Daily Coach team, we are forever indebted to our Veterans. Thank you for your amazing grace, unselfish efforts, sacrifice, and service to our nation. We salute you today and every day. God Bless America!

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