Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day is only celebrated one day a year, yet to me it needs to be something that is felt in everyone's hearts each and every day. So many brave men and women have put their lives on the line to make sure that our country remains free. Their sacrifices must not go unnoticed. I have found that so many people who have never served do not even give Veteran's or Veteran's Day a second thought.
To me that is absolutely shameful as each and every one of us owes our freedom to those who have served during war time as well as during peace time, and also during the cold war.
As Colonel Martin spoke yesterday about serving in an all volunteer military the mindset of these young women and men is quite different as they took the oath to serve knowing exactly what they were going to do as they signed on the dotted line to become a part of the most powerful military in the world.
It takes a lot to sign up knowing that the risk of losing one's life is part of the job. It seems that most of those who embark on their military career during a time of war have a greater understanding of what's at stake right now. No one knows how long the War on Terror is going to last, or how many will lose their lives before it is all over. Tonight after I came back after attending a VVA meeting, I was saddened to see that another young life was snuffed out because of this war. It is heartbreaking to see this happen as often as it does. Yet, these fine individuals continue to make the decision to join, and, as Colonel Martin said yesterday these young people are not joining to get a lot of money for a college education, they are doing so to protect our country and serve because that is what they want to do.
If you did not attend a Veteran's Day ceremony or service, it's ok, but, you really should thank a vet for the opportunity to go about your business each and every day. Take the time to learn about your friends and others who served as they have a valuable story to tell you. You will be glad that you did!
It's never too late to thank a vet!