When you look at Verizon's website the iPhone 5 shows that ship date of 10/19 before you even order it. I PRE-Ordered on the 14th of Sept and FedEx tracking shows my phone left Memphis on it's way to me to be deliver tomorrow before 3pm. So even though you have to wait till the 19th. Try and understand that there are people who PRE-ordered that STILL haven't gotten theirs yet either and STILL have to wait longer for what arguably is the best phone of the year and most Iconic phone brand of all time.
With 5 million devices sold in the initial 3 day weekend event and preorders sold out and backordered within an hour of going on sale it should come as no surprise to anyone at this point that the iPhone is in HIGH demand.
Just my 2 cents 
Well played, Sir. 
Yes you have to wait 3 weeks. Is this your first rodeo?