Many have been called, many have suffered the shock and pain of battle, some disabled for life, and many have made the “ultimate sacrifice.” All have given some of the best years of their lives. Why did they do it?
Simply because there was a job to be done and they were the ones called upon to do it. What was the result of their sacrifice? - Simply this: America, to this day, remains a free country.
I will tell you why I did it: Because military/public service runs very deep in my family. It is a great way to earn money for college, get job skills, and learn discipline and respect. I was and always will be proud to have served my country. I do not regret any moment I spent in the Army, even the very bad ones. I am a stronger man for it.
On Veterans Day, we honor every patriotic man and woman who has ever worn the uniform of our country - Americans who stepped out of the crowd and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution and laws of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. This man or woman could be someone in your own family, a neighbor, a friend or even yourself.
On Veterans Day, we join together in a common cause, a salute to all who have served together; for freedom and for liberty. All have faced the greatest test that can be applied to American citizenship; being willing to risk your life to defend your citizenship. Every man and woman who put on the wartime military uniform of the United States and served with honor has passed this test of citizenship.
Veterans Day forces most all Americans to pause and reflect the cost of this test and then say, “Thank You” to this nation’s veterans for their service and sacrifice.
We also want to remember and thank the many men and women who are now serving our country here and around the world. To those young Americans in uniform right now, all around the globe, we say “Godspeed” our prayers and our sincere wishes for your safe return go out to you.
We must never forget that these heroes are tomorrow’s veterans. We must remember that the way we treat today’s veterans sends a powerful message to our active duty troops about how we will honor their sacrifice after they leave military service.
We may be uncertain about many things in America today, but we should have no reason to be uncertain about the respect and honor we owe to those who have served this nation in times of war.
Always remember that any freedoms you currently have is because of the men and women who took an oath to defend our constitution, country and your rights!
