With Thanks on Veterans Day

Let me just start by saying that my wife’s father kicks butt. Not just because he’s an amazing man with a giant heart and an unparalleled work ethic, but also because he’s literally trained to kick butt.

The man could probably paralyze you with a noodle or some kind of Jedi mind trick, but he’s such a gentle, caring, and compassionate man that I doubt he’d ever do it. Unless you crossed his family.

He’s a teacher, a judge, a farmer, a devoted husband, and a treasured father and grandfather. He’s the first to show and the last to leave if there is a need, and there are just so many layers to his kindness.

Yet underneath all of these layers stands a soldier…a Major in the US Army, an Airborne Ranger, and a veteran. The broad shoulders that once carried his share of the pledge to ensure freedom still carry the pride that comes with years of service.

My brother-in-law is also serving in the military and thankfully returned home from Iraq to greet his wife and their three children. I know Heather’s mom is also a veteran as she and Heather’s dad met in a military hospital. In fact, Heather’s family shares a long history with the military and I suppose the sense of duty to our country has been passed from generation to generation.

I’m among those who are eternally grateful to the men and women who put their own lives on hold and their own lives at risk so that America can continue to be free and help others pursue the kind of freedom we enjoy.

My gratitude also extends to the mothers, fathers, wives, husbands, and children who sacrifice having their loved ones at home. There will be countless empty chairs at Thanksgiving dinner this year and it’s difficult to accept that many of these chairs will remain unfilled. It’s something I can’t relate to and something I hope I never have to endure.

I can’t begin to imagine how hard it is to go months without the embrace of a loved one. I can’t begin to imagine how difficult it must be to live through letters and photographs, and I can’t begin to imagine the heart-wrenching squeeze of a confused child tearfully begging you not to leave.

Those who aren’t in the military can’t grasp the level of sacrifice these people put forth and I believe Veterans Day should extend beyond the soldiers themselves and into the homes of those who love them and wait for them.

To those who gave the ultimate sacrifice, we honor you.

To those who served and protected us, we are indebted to you.

And to those who are still in service, know that you have the support of a grateful nation. Draw strength from the actions and rallying cries of those who stood and fell before you in conflicts past, and may God protect you so that you return home safely.

Saying “Thank You” just seems so inadequate to me, but I hope our soldier men and women realize that their service is appreciated by the tens of millions they help protect. Inadequate or not, I thank you. Happy Veterans Day!


Are you a veteran? Check these out!
State-by-State Military Discounts for Veterans Day
Veterans Day Activities for Kids

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