This is a day set aside to thank those who are serving or have served in the Armed Forces. Over the years it seems it has turned into an excuse for another sale at the local department store, or the Unions to get an extra day off. The day my oldest son left for the Air Force Academy, Veterans Day took on a whole new meaning. The day my youngest son left for Iraq the reality of their career choices really set in.
The day we buried my dear friends daughter the cost of it hit me, it could be "My" child there. The past few years people have made comments about my oldest sons "Free" college education. I am always quick to say "There is nothing "free" about my sons education. My son has to give 6 years of service for that "Free" education. My son could very well give his life for that "Free" education. Would your child choose that payment plan for their college education?" Usually they have no come back for that. This year my oldest will be spending Christmas over there with his Air Force "Family"
When my youngest son decided to join the Air Force right out of High School, I was so proud of him. He could have gone to college if he wanted to. He choose to serve his country. At his High School graduation I was shocked that there was no announcement after all the scholarships were announced that my son was going into the Air Force. Believe me I let the principle know the next day.
Many never think about Veterans or what those who served have done for us. I want to challenge everyone who reads this to walk up to those in uniform EVERY time you see one, not just tomorrow and thank them for their service. Thank them for being willing to stand on that wall so that we may sleep soundly at night. Thank them for being willing to give their life so that you may walk free. Thank them for missing Holidays with their family, the birth of a child, for feeling like every pore in their body is filled with sand, for living in 100 + temperatures with 75 lbs of gear, or freezing in the Mts. of Afghanistan.
Thank them for YOUR FREEDOM. Freedom isn't Free.
To my sons, thank you for all you are doing to keep me and everyone else safe.
I am very proud of you both and I pray that God will bless and keep you and surround you with his angels to keep you safe. This year all I want for Christmas is the safe return of my son.
The Soldier
It is the soldier, not the reporter,
who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the soldier, not the poet,
who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the soldier, not the campus organizer,
who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the soldier, not the lawyer,
who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the soldier,
who salutes the flag,
who serves under the flag,
and whose coffin is draped by the flag,
who allows the protester to burn the flag.
By Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC
A VETERAN
Whether on active duty, retired, national guard or reserve, 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."
That is honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.
Author unknown.
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I agree.
Applebees promotion for "free meals for veterans, or active service members" is simply a promotion stunt.
Not ONE Applebees in TEXAS is participating in the promotion. Why? Because Texas is home to about 15 military bases. They'd "lose" out their ass. ONE Applebees in California is participating.. : )
I think it's terrible that business exploit our military for a few bucks; and the sad part is, people actually hear it and think "Oh, they are doing something good to honor our men and women-"
- MissG9
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