Thank You Veterans!

Today is a day to honor and remember the veterans of our country. I'm so grateful for their service and sacrifice on my behalf and for this whole nation. I hope other countries are grateful too for the service they have provided on their behalf. My dad was a WWII veteran. Although he didn't speak about it much, I know he had 4 1/2 years that took him away from his beloved family farm. This was a time of extreme danger and difficult conflicts in the Pacific arena. I'm fortunate to have copies of letters he wrote home during this time. He was always concerned about his family at home and his other brothers also serving in the military. Perhaps that is the responsibility of being the oldest son! From my dad I learned to respect the American flag and what it represents. To this day, I get choked up when saying the Pledge of Allegiance, or see the colors presented.

I couldn't make this posting without also saying how grateful I am for my son. His service was a nail biter for me, but thankfully he has returned home safe and sound. He is one of the very fortunate. I wasn't happy when he enlisted in the Marines, but he is a man of self-determination. He chose to serve his country and I'm very proud of him for that. I also look at his wife, Nicole, as a veteran. She kept the home fires burning while Travis was off in the big sandbox. Her service was also commendable and gracious. So thank you to all the service men and women, and their families, who have given of themselves to benefit us all!