Veteran's Day Special

Over my life time I have seen countless movies and television programs depicting in one way or another the life, adventures and sacrifices made by those who serve in our nations armed services. Some have been humorous such as Gomer Pile, Hogan’s Heroes and Mash. Some have been dramatic such as 12 O’clock High and Band of Brothers. The big screen has given us stories that have stirred our hearts and minds such as Patton, Saving Private Ryan, Pearl Harbor, We Were Soldiers and Iwo Jima and many, many more. I am sure that most of us have our favorites. My favorite may be The Patriot with Mel Gibson.

Behind each of these stories, television shows and movies is a truth – since the beginning of this great nation, men and women have served this country by fighting for our freedom. For over 234 years men and women have served this country to secure our freedom and our rights. Some have carried a musket and some a M16. Some have loaded and shot cannons mounted to wagon wheels and others have used laser guided missiles with GPS devices. Some rode horse back and others have flown faster than the speed of sound. Some have paddled a small boat across rivers or down streams while others have circled the globe in a nuclear submarine. Some have caused pain and destruction while others have mended the wounds of those who fight. Men and women serving together with one cause – to serve, defend and protect the United States of America.

How does a nation properly say thank you to our son’s and daughters who are willing to serve this nation in such a selfless way? How do you thank someone who is willing to travel around the world to fight for a cause and a way of life? How do you thank a young man or young lady who is willing to go and do what most of us are unwilling to go and do? How do you thank someone who is willing to leave their wife and children for a tour or two or three in order to protect your wife and children? How do you thank someone who is willing, if need be, to die so that a nation might survive? How do you thank those who are the best among us?

Adequate words of gratitude and thanks do not come to mind for how I feel about those who give up so much and have so little so that I can have the opportunity to have everything. So on this Veteran’s Day I simply say from the bottom of my heart – THANK YOU! Without your service this great nation would not and could not exist. I thank God for you and your families. May the God of Peace be with you all the days of your life.

Peace to all.

Love God. Go Love Others.