What does war mean to us?

Since 1776, our country has been involved in 29 armed conflicts where America’s Armed Forces played an active role. The Department of Veterans Affairs estimates that nearly 45 million people have served in the U.S. military since the birth of our nation.

That’s a lot of people and a lot of fighting, but how do we feel about war? Is war a glorious pursuit that we should be proud to take part in; a horrible stain on humanity from which nothing good emerges; or a terrible but necessary effort we must undertake to protect our way of life? 

Is there only one right answer?

If you want to understand something, it’s best to start with the people who have firsthand experience. Nashville Public Library (NPL) is honored to count a number of veterans among our fantastic team of employees. They come from all walks of life, having served in times of both peace and war. If there’s anyone who might help us better understand the fighting our country has endured, it’s them.

Words can’t possibly express the depth of appreciation we have for our veterans. They’ve put themselves in harm’s way, giving up many of their freedoms so we can enjoy ours. And now, they continue working tirelessly to enrich the lives of the people of Nashville. 

This Veterans Day, we’d like to say thank you to our veterans the best way that NPL can — by trying to better understand them.

Ed Brown

Marketing and Communications

Thomas Hammons

Technology Services

Connor Miller

Safety and Security

Lavelle Miller

Safety and Security

Chris Morin

Manager - Donelson Branch

Danny Oliver

Digital Inclusion