Veterans Day

Today is Veterans Day, once known as Armistice Day after World War I. President Woodrow Wilson said in 1919 that it should be a day “filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations.”

A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life wrote a blank check made payable to ‘The United States of America ‘ for an amount of ‘up to and including my life.’

A veteran is a man/woman who fell in love with his country, for better, or worse – for richer, for poorer – in sickness and in heath.

A veteran is a man/woman who is willing to lay down his life for the Statue of Liberty so that her poor, her huddled masses, her homeless, her tempest tossed may breathe free and may enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

A veteran is as a man/woman who does what he must – in spite of personal consequences – in spite of obstacles and dangers and pressures – for that is the basis of all human morality.

A veteran is a man/woman who gets a lump in his throat when he sees our beloved flag and he’ll fight to protect our beautiful bunting from those who would dare to dishonor it.

A veteran is a man/woman who pays his taxes, willingly; serves his country, honorably; and cherishes his freedom, passionately.

A veteran is a man/woman well-deserving of our appreciation, our love, and our prayers 365 days a year.

To all of the Veterans and those military service members currently serving, thanks for your service.

A special thanks to my daughters, Coogan and Alexis, both Veterans!