Cupcakes and Courage

What do cupcakes and courage have to do with each other?
Not much, unless the cupcakes are colored red, white, and blue and it's November 11th and you happened to pass through the lobby of Mat-Su College at 11am.  In that case, free cupcakes served as a little 'thank you' to the courageous students, staff, and faculty at Mat-Su who are also American veterans.  You didn't have to be a veteran to get a cupcake, though you did need courage to eat the blue frosted ones that left your teeth, tongue, and lips brightly colored long after the cupcake was gone.

Members of the Student Ambassadors (myself included), the Academic Affairs staff, and Student Government put together the display to show appreciation toward the military veterans who make up about 25% of the student body at Mat-Su College.  Although it was a small gesture when compared to the contribution veterans have made to our country, I think it says a lot about Mat-Su College to have marked the historic day with such a personal show of thanks.

The significance of the 11th day of the 11th month at eleven in the morning goes back to the end of World War I.  The initial cessation of battle on November 11, 1918 at 11am was dubbed Armistice Day.  It was later memorialized by the burial of an unknown soldier in the highest place of honor in France, England, and later at Arlington Cemetery in the United States.  Armistice Day was renamed Veteran's Day by Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 to commemorate all military veterans who ever served their country.

If you aren't a veteran yourself, I'm sure you know someone who is.  My father and uncle served in the Navy during Vietnam, and my grandfather was one of the Marine's who landed on Iwo Jima in World War II.  As a young child I have fond memories of helping my grandmother give out red poppy pins in support of the VFW.  The show of support from civilians really puts the cherry on top for Veteran's Day.  I hope that after you enjoyed a cupcake you also showed your appreciation for the sacrifices our veterans have made for the security of our country.  If you forgot, you needn't wait until next Veteran's Day.  Make a phone call to say, "Thank you", write a letter, make a donation, or volunteer your time and energy.  It will be well appreciated.