Veterans Day

Today is 11-11-11. Many people are going to be getting married on this day, some people will make wishes hoping they will come true, and some will wonder what crazy thing will happen on this day.

But more importantly, today is Veterans Day.

Painted by Eric Samuel Timm

Veterans have held a special place in my heart for many years. I have family members who have served, friends who are serving and finishing up their terms, and I currently have a brother who is getting deployed.

In high school I had the privilege to play Taps at local parades and events. Through that I met many Veterans and widows who lives I have touched. At first playing Taps was simple and meant nothing to me, but after that first "thank you" for a Veteran who had tears running down his face, I was never able to think the same.

On the wall in my office hangs a newspaper clipping with the following on it:

Honoring Our Brave Veterans
It is the Veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Veteran, no the reporter, who has given us freedom of press.
It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the Veteran, not the lawyer, who has given u the right to a fair trail.
It is the Veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Veteran, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag,
Eternal rest grant them O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them.
~Author Unknown

Today remember what has been done for our lives and remember those making the decision daily to join the Armed Forces.