E Pluribus Unum.
“Out of many, one.”
Traditionally, the understood meaning of the phrase was that out of many states, emerge a single nation. In recent years, its meaning has come to suggest that out of many peoples, races, religions and ancestries has emerged a single people and nation, illustrating the concept of the melting pot. “The melting pot is a metaphor for a heterogeneous society becoming more homogeneous, the different elements ‘melting together’ into a harmonious whole with a common culture.”
Because of our service men and women, our races, religions, ancestries and, ultimately, states have “melted” together into one. We are one nation who stands strong with the bonds that bring us harmoniously together.
Why Veretans Day is celebrated.
At the conclusion of World War I, fighting ceased between the Allied nations and Germany on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month. For that reason, November 11, 1918, is generally regarded as the end of “the war to end all wars.” Veterans Day was first celebrated a year later on November 11, 1919. Veterans Day is a celebration to honor America’s veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.
“To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”
A Reason for the Heroes.
Our WOD today was “Abbate.” Sergeant Matthew T. Abbate made the ultimate sacrifice on October 14, 2010. This was a long, difficult and humbling task.
“There is a reason why the Heroes are so painful.
There is a reason why those WODs ask us to do more than we think is physically possible, why they ask us to lift heavier weights, or set our boxes taller or go for longer rep schemes.
There is a reason why, after it is all said and done, you aren’t quite sure if you can get up and walk away.
Because what each and every one of those Heroes (and Veterans and current active duty members) did allows you to walk away day after day.
It allows you to live in a world that has less fear and anger and hatred than it does love and peace.
They have allowed you to walk outside and breathe in the morning air without the fear of mortar raining down on you. They have allowed you to forget about all that is wrong, or easily can be wrong with the world as you cook up your breakfast eggs, to walk down the street without fear of being taken, to celebrate whatever religious holidays you desire in the coming months without fear of reprisals.
Not being able to get up and walk away after a WOD seems like such an insignificantly small price to pay. Like fractions of pennies in a jar.
So today, when many of you are facing whiteboards calling out Hero WODs, remember what you enjoy. Know that you enjoy far more than you can even comprehend. And kill yourself getting it done.
Don’t save anything in the tank so you can get up and walk away. Put it all on the line.” – Journal Menu
Thank these guys when you see them.
The U.S. has 21.8 million veterans. More than 1.3 million of America’s living veterans have served in more than one war, and 54,000 have served in 3 (WWI, Korea and Vietnam.)
A handful of the owners and coaching staff at CrossFit Albuquerque were previously in the military. Ben is a former Army Infantry Officer. AJ was previously a Marine Corps Scout Sniper. Tom, who is currently overseas, actively serves in the Army. I also have to give a shout-out to my BF, Sean Elks, who is a former proud member of the Marine Corps and served as a Riflemen Sergeant (and might as well be on staff at CFABQ.)
These men all have several prominent common qualities. They have a strong presence. They are somewhat crazy, very humble, incredibly loyal and most of all, show insane amounts of integrity every. single. day. I am happy to call them all my friends. Be sure to thank these guys when you see them.
Say thank you to all of the Veterans that you can find.
Unique Day.
I don’t get to work out with the regular classes much. Today was pleasantly rare. I completed “Abbate” along-side Veterans, active military and non-veterans. We all had a common goal. The common goal brought us together. This goal caused us to “melt” and emerge a single group of people just working out, a single common culture part of our single strong nation. E Pluribis Unum. I am thankful. Happy Veterans Day!
