Appreciate the veterans who gave us freedom

Their eyes were filled with kindness while the hands looked like they could not hurt a fly. And yet, one could tell that they’ve been placed in positions where they’ve killed more than a fly.  

Their stories are of a time and place we can barely imagine. And even though we have seen images in movies or television shows, we know they do not come close to the real horror of war.

Rather it is storming a fortified beach, hunkering down in a snowy field in the middle of nowhere or watching out for a roadside bomb in the middle of the desert, these soldiers did their jobs in some of the worse situations imaginable. Unfortunately, some are now protecting us without pay – something that is shameful no matter what side of the political aisle one is on. This should never – ever – happen. 

These soldiers eventually came home, returning to their family, love ones and friends who mostly did not have a clue what they had been through. Most of these veterans did not want to talk about what happened, taking that to their graves.

Others, have spoken out, talking about the events they went through, the lives they saved and the friends who sadly did not make it home.   

Every veteran who has served in war, various campaigns or even through peace times, deserves our gratitude and that is why we honor them today. 

Today we celebrate those who put their life aside to answer the call to serve in our armed forces. We should all want to say “Thank You” to the men and women who have served our country. 

Truthfully, they deserve so much more.