Veterans Day thoughts

Today is Veterans Day, a day of rememberance and a day to honor our fallen heros, but there is someone other than Veterans that deserve a pat on the back today. The American public needs a big "Thank You!" from Veterans. Without the support of the general public, serving in the military would be a thankless job. Think about the Vietnam era when soldiers returning home from overseas were met by people who spit on them and called them "Baby killers", many of these men were drafted and were forced to serve, today we have an all volunteer service and the mindset of the American public has changed. I remember standing in the airport in Dallas on my way home from Spain and seeing many soldiers coming and going from Iraq. I saw only respect and gratitude displayed toward these men and women. It's really awesome that the attitude of the American people has changed from the days of Vietnam. I'm just sorry that those who came back from Vietnam had to endure the treatment that they recieved.

I can't begin to count the number of times someone has bought my lunch or told me "Thank You" for serving. I have been given discounts, hugs, even a kiss from an elderly lady; all for wearing my uniform with pride, and doing my job.

So from at least one veteran, I say "Thanks" to the American public that supports the military and recognizes that the freedoms we enjoy are possible because of the Soldiers, Airmen, Coasties, Seamen, and Marines that have gone before me. I hope that we as military men and women are carrying on what you started and making you proud.

Sometimes I think about what it would have been like to have been alive back in WWI, WWII, or even the Korean War. Technology has made contact with our loved ones so convienient. Imagine being a soldier on the front lines, anxiously awaiting a letter from home, not being able to hear your wife and kids voices for months or even years. Now we can log on to the internet from virtually anywhere in the world and see each other in realtime, I just think that is amazing!I can't imagine what it must have been like not knowing how your family was doing and recieving news from home weeks or months after something had happened.

Well, I am beginning to ramble but I did want to tell you about the Veterans Day ceremony at Westwood Elementary school. This was my third year to attend and every year it brings tears to my eyes. It is really something to hear 820, K-2 kids sing "This is America" or one of the many other patriotic songs that they sing. The kids and teachers really do a great job and always make the Veterans feel welcome and honored. I'm excited because Connor will go to North Main next year and Lilly will be at Westwood so I will get to attend ceremonies at both schools.

Well, I guess I will close. If you see a vet today, tell them Thanks for serving and of course, take a moment of silence to remember those who didn't come back to American soil or those that returned for the sole purpose of being buried instead of running to thier families loving arms. These are the true heros on Veterans Day, these are the men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice for their Country.

I'll leave you with a verse from the Bible that I have related to for many reasons in my own life, but I also think it can relate to the soldier that is currently standing watch to keep our Nation safe from harm.

Habakkuk 2:1 "I will stand on my guard post and I will station myself on the rampart. And I will keep watch to see what HE will speak to me and how I may reply when I am reproved."