Thank You, Veterans

I'm hoping this Veteran's Day is one that sees our citizens show the kind of respect and gratitude towards our Veterans that they deserve.

My Daddy was a veteran of World War II. A picture of him, in his Army uniform is on my living room wall. The Dearly Beloved's Daddy was also a veteran of that war. His picture, in his Army Air Force uniform hangs next to Daddy's picture. We are proud of their service. Their are other men in our family who served in that war and in wars and conflicts, big and small, since then.

We have friends serving now. It angers me when most of the media only broadcasts or publishes stories that portray our efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan in a negative light. The stories I hear from Soldiers and Marines in both places, currently there, and those who have rotated back home is much more positive than what gets aired on television or printed in the papers or newsmagazines.

The "Iraqi" insurgents? They aren't Iraqis, for the most part. They are radical Musliims from other countries, pouring across the borders, and trying to disrupt the stability the elected Iraqi government and civilians and allied forces are building. Go back and look at the comments Cait left. She says it much better than I can.

It breaks my heart that every man, woman and child here at home is not writing letters and sending care packages to our Service men and women serving on foreign soil. It's not that hard. Dear Abby, or any USO or VFW post will be glad to help you out with mailing instructions or accept a donation. Or I bet you have a neighbor or friend or church member or work with someone who has a friend or family member who is currently serving. Ask them what you can do to help.

I have family that live near an Army base. Now you may think this is hokey, but I am gonna tell you what I do, and I urge you to do the same thing. When I'm there, I usually take my Mom out to lunch. There's always Soldiers in the restaurant wherever we go eat. I pick one at random, usually one with a wife and kids, though not always, sometimes I pick a young enlisted kid, alone, and I tell the waitperson to send them dessert on me. No big deal, and I tell the waitperson just to tell the Soldier it's from a grateful citizen, not to point us out. I do try to look, and they always get a big grin on their faces. For a very small price, I just made three {them, my Mom, and me} folks very happy. Try it sometime and spread a little good will.

Be sure to thank a Veteran today, they are the reason you are free!