Veteran's Day

I wanted to take a minute to thank all of the active duty and veteran military personnel for their courageous service to our nation. Whether carried the torch of liberty for a portion of their life, or if they gave the ultimate sacrifice, I am forever grateful.

It means something to live in this great nation and the fact that we have but only a couple days each year set aside to give pause and reflect upon what it means to live in a country with the freedoms that we enjoy does not pay tribute enough to these brave men and women who chose to serve in our armed forces - many of whom enlisted while we have been engaged in armed conflicts around the world.

As I have ocassionally traveled outside of this country, I have been reminded of just how precious and fragile our liberties are. My wife and I were on a trans Atlantic flight to London 2 years ago when a major terrorist plot to bomb trans Atlantic flights was busted up in London. Fortunately this terrible possibility never occurred, but I recall the immediate show of security, heightened tension, the longing for the safety of home, and although we had a wonderful vacation, the return to the US was a cherished moment that I'll always remember.

More recently we were in Puerto Rico and spent some time at the El Morro Fortress. This military marvel of a fortress was built in the late 1500's and today is a US National Park. I think back to the soldiers who guarded their land from invaders for hundreds of years and I think of our present day military bases which are spread across the globe. Soldiers are stationed at those bases standing guard and defending our freedoms.

Just last year, our daughter chose to participate in the school talent show. She was tapped to lead off the night and sang "God Bless the USA" which is no small feat for a kindergartener. She sang beautifully and stirred the emotions of many people in the audience.



And now we find ourselves a week after an election. An election made possible by these brave men and women serving in our armed forces. No other nation on earth transfers power as peacefully as we do. Although there are fierce debate about the direction of our republic, there is a common thread that binds all Americans, and that is the love of our country and the gratitude for all of those individuals who have sacrificed and who continue to sacrifice for our freedoms.

So on this Veteran's Day, I salute you and thank you for your service.