VETERANS DAY AND EVERYDAY THANK A VET

They forged a nation by their sacrifice and blood at places like Lexington, Trenton, Camden and Yorktown. They defended the Capitol in 1812 and in that same century fought in unlikely places like Resaca de la Palmae , Rio San Gabriel in Mexico, Gettysburg, Shilo, and Antietam. They suffered in the muddy trenches of Europe in WWI and stormed the beaches of Normandy, Anzio, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa in WWII. Korea found them at Inchon and Pork Cop Hill and Vietnam sent them to Hamburger Hill, Song Be and the, " Hanoi Hilton."

They combed the seas and skies during the Cold War while in a state of readiness , watching the moves of , "the Big Red Dog." They liberated Kuwait and have fought in the Middle East once again at Fallujah, Bagdhad, and the mountains of Afghanistan. They have served in Germany, Japan, and every nation in the free world as well as thousands of posts throughout The United States. While the Founding Fathers are the authors of our Nation, Veterans are the defenders and the protectors of our freedoms and liberties.

They never left home to be heroes, but in defending this nation that is what they became. Some sought excitement and just the opportunity of leaving home. While others left because of a sense of duty. Not one ever knowing what was in store nor whether they would return home but knowing that service to their country was something they had to do.

They said goodbye to sweethearts, wives, children, moms, dads, friends and neighbors not knowing when they would meet again but left everyone with the assurance that they were doing what they felt was right and necessary for them and the nation they loved. Some never made it home , while others returned troubled by what they experienced or disabled because of wounds received. Many would not talk of what they had seen but all understood that the sacrifice they made was not in vain and helped to keep this Nation and their loved ones free.

Each of us owe a dept of gratitude to these silent heroes that this Nation and her people will never be able to repay. For it is through their sacrifice and commitment that we live and breath in the free air of liberty. With their lives these brave men and women have paid for our liberties by their blood. Through their sweat and determination they fought for a country that they loved and in principles they not only believed in but were willing to lay down their life to defend.

It is because of their sacrifice that we remain free. It is because of their willingness to serve that we are strong and a Nation of greatness. It is because of their dedication to the cause of liberty that we bask in the light of that Statue in the Harbor that calls to the world, "Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free."

Each morning we wake in this Nation of the free we owe a debt of thanks to a Vet! As we live and perform our daily tasks we owe a Vet ! When our children leave on the bus in the morning or we drop them off at school we owe their freedom to receive an education to a Vet! When we wake on Sunday mornings and leave for our place of worship we owe that freedom to a Vet ! When we play at Yosemite or in the waves that hit our shores we owe that liberty to a Vet ! When we turn on the tube and root for our favorite NFL , MLB or NBA team or join the fans in the stadiums we owe that enjoyment to a Vet ! When we cash that paycheck or make an investment for the future of our family we owe that financial freedom to a Vet !

When we stand in tribute to the flag that waves in the breeze we owe the very fact that that flag still waves to a Vet ! Our Veterans have served, sacrificed and yes many have died to insure that this Nation will always be free and that each of us who call America home can live free and never worry that those freedoms will be threatened by a foreign power, or military force without their intervention and protection.

While they never sought to be heroes each of them throughout our history have become heroes as they served this Nation and her people throughout the world and here at home. From the beginning our Veterans have told us, " while I serve you will never need worry because I am on watch !"

We owe each of them so much more than we can ever give. They are among us wherever we go in this land and at every opportunity we should tell them how much we appreciate all that they have given for our Nation and our people. Then watch the glimmer in the eye shine with pride just because we said, "thank you !"

They never ask for that thanks but when it is given it causes a swell of pride for a job well done and a service that has kept us free. Today and everyday where ever they may be and whenever we meet them be sure to thank a Vet because we owe them for our freedom, our liberty and the very existence of our Nation!

Ken Taylor