Why are so many veterinarians dying?

We keep hearing people talk about honoring vets for their service. I thought we already did, by paying them a lot of money. Hell, our vet has a new boat thanks to all the business we give her. What? Not veterinarians? I guess the guy who told me veterinarians must have had a stutter, and really meant veterans. For more on the confusion some people have, see Ali G’s interview. But, we still want to know: Why are so many veterinarians dying? Oh, sorry, did it again. Regardless, it’s veteran’s day, time to thank and honor those who have and/or are serving to protect our country and its citizens. So, let’s raise a glass to those who have left us, and those who still walk amongst us. Here is a thank you for your contributions, large and small.

Last year, we honored our vets with an international menu based on places where many of our vets served. Today, we want to look at the history of the day. It seems like it has always been around. But, it started after WWII. Although, November 11 had importance before that. World war I earned the name “the war to end all wars”. And, at the eleventh hour of the eleventh month of 1918, the treaty of Versailles officially ended all hostilities in the war. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed November 11th, 1919 to be the first official Armistice day. This was followed in 1926 by a resolution by congress to make November 11 a national holiday. The aim was to honor and perpetuate the enduring peace the end of the war provided.

The language went something like this:

Whereas the 11th of November 1918, marked the cessation of the most destructive, sanguinary, and far reaching war in human annals and the resumption by the people of the United States of peaceful relations with other nations, which we hope may never again be severed, and

Whereas it is fitting that the recurring anniversary of this date should be commemorated with thanksgiving and prayer and exercises designed to perpetuate peace through good will and mutual understanding between nations; and

Whereas the legislatures of twenty-seven of our States have already declared November 11 to be a legal holiday: Therefore be it Resolved by the Senate (the House of Representatives concurring), that the President of the United States is requested to issue a proclamation calling upon the officials to display the flag of the United States on all Government buildings on November 11 and inviting the people of the United States to observe the day in schools and churches, or other suitable places, with appropriate ceremonies of friendly relations with all other peoples.

In 1938, the official designation of Armistice day dedicated to world peace was passed.

Did Eisenhower ask Why are so many veterinarians dying?

In 1954, with the Korean war raging, and after the tremendous efforts of WWII, Congress shifted the focus of Armistice day to Veterans. They changed the name and President Eisenhower made the first official proclamation that November 11 would be known as veteran’s day. Ironically, he never mentioned anything about sick pets. Which is a shame, because veterinarians are more important to our 4 legged and winged friends than most soldiers. But, we digress. 4 years later, he designated the head of the VA to be chair of the Veteran’s day Committee.

Then, things got a little wonky. In 1968, The government passed the uniform Monday holidays bill designating 4 Federal holidays celebrated on Mondays, intended to encourage recreation and increase commerce: Washington’s Birthday, Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and Columbus Day. While the sentiment was well intended, changing veterans day to a random Monday created confusion, and didn’t fly. So, in 1975, President Ford changed the date back to November 11. By 1978, this was overwhelmingly approved by state legislatures and the general public. And, so it stands to this day. But, some still ask: Why are so many veterinarians dying?

Same day, divergent purpose.

So, Eisenhower, the man who warned us of the military industrial complex, changed a day dedicated to world peace to be one honoring veterans. Technically, it is still the same purpose. Veterans are tasked with defending freedom and peace. We now honor the keepers of the peace and not peace itself. Perhaps it’s time to do both. Let’s thank the people who put themselves in harms way. But, let’s also do something to promote peace. It can be as simple as saying a kind word to a stranger or as complex as promoting peace between our allies and enemies abroad.

Try to understand how someone may have a different point of view from yours and work on common ground instead of highlighting differences. Most people believe in peace and freedom. We, mostly, want to live a life doing the things we like without infringing on other peoples’ freedoms. Our 2 biggest threats to peace are religion and borders. Russia disregarded Ukraine’s borders when it invaded earlier this year. And, Muslim extremists want to kill Westerners. There is no need for extremism like this.

Before we demonize the “other”, we need to know why they are upset. Is there validity to their complaints or is it just naked aggression (as in Putin’s case)? Chances are, whatever the complaint, it probably stems from a lack of understanding. Muslims, Jews, and Christians all have the same god, just different messengers. So, why the big divide? The central tenets of the 10 commandments and love thy neighbor should apply to all.

Food Brings people together

Granted, people have different tastes. But, food brings people together. It’s the one thing that knows no international or religious boundaries. People need to eat. Of course, you get into restrictions imposed by health, religion, and ethical beliefs. But, everyone needs to eat. So, let’s honor our veterans and strive for peace by sharing food. The most universal food is bread. There is some form of bread across every continent. Whether it is a hearty European or American loaf or an Asian Flatbread, it is the sustenance of life.In the Judeo Christian tradition it is the one thing that always draws people together and soothes all pain. Just look at the Wedding at Canaan where Jesus fed the crowd with fishes and loaves of bread.

So, today’s recipe is a simple, yet universal treat: Bread. Flour, yeast, and water, simple ingredients, simply delicious, and the first step toward world peace. Our recipe can be served on its own with dips like hummus and Baba ganoush, or, made into pizza. So, what do you say? Let’s break some bread. Maybe we can stop the proliferation of the question: Why are so many veterinarians dying?. And, while we’re at it, honor veterinarians and veterans alike. Remember, next to food, puppies always bring people peace and joy too. And, all kinds of vets love them.

Grilled Rosemary garlic Flatbread

cheffd

Print Recipe

Prep Time 40 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Course bread

Cuisine Mediterranean

Equipment

• Pizza Stone

Ingredients

  

• 4 Cups Bread Flour
• 2 Cups Warm water
• 1 Tbsp Dry Active Yeast
• 1 Tbsp Sugar
• 1 tsp Kosher Salt
• 1 tsp Fresh Cracked Black Pepper
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
• 2 Tbsp Chopped Fresh Rosemary
• 1 tsp Chopped Fresh Garlic
• Corn meal to sprinkle on the stone to prevent sticking.

Instructions

 

• Put water , yeast and sugar in a mixing bowl, and, mix well. You want the water warm, around body temperature for best result. Let it sit for about 10 to 15 minutes. The yeast will activate and bubble up.
• Add the remaining ingredients and mix in a stand mixer using a dough hook for about 2 to 5 minutes until it pulls away from the sides by itself. Remove the ball of dough and coat with olive oil. Then return it to the bowl. Cover with plastic and let it rise for about 15 minutes.
• Preheat a grille or grille pan to medium high (around 400 degrees)
• Once the dough has doubled in size, remove it from the bowl, cut it into 2 or 4 pieces. Let it rise for a few minutes until it becomes pliable. At this point, you can either shape it by hand or use a rolling pin to make a flat pizza like shape. Round, rectangle, triangle, whatever you prefer. The important thing is to make it flat, no more than 1/2 inch thick. If it is too thick, it won't cook all the way through on the grille, you may have to finish in an oven. Sprinkle with a little more flour or brush with olive oil to prevent sticking. Place the dough on the hot grille and cook for a couple minutes until grille marks appear and the dough begins to bubble. Flip it over and cook a couple more minutes on the other side.
• Cut and serve immediately with various condiments such as hummus, baba Ganoush, or a nice marinara. You could even top it with pizza toppings and melt them under a broiler or in a hot oven. Now go make friends.

Keyword flatbread, Garlic, Grilled, Rosemary