Veteran's Day is Wednesday

Chances are you are closer to a Veteran of the armed forces than you know. A neighbor, family member, friend, someone at your church, or in your small group, a co-worker, friend's parent, police officer, your physician, or someone's child is/has served in the armed forces. Veteran's Day is this Wednesday (11/11). In case you didn't know it was originally known as Armistice Day, the day the fighting between Germany and the Allies ceased during World War 1 in 1918. By 1954 it was changed to remember all U.S. veterans. (AP Photo/LM Otero)

This isn't "cheesy" sentiment from me. I have deep and profound respect for those who have ever served in our armed forces. Anyone who has served in the Coast Guard, Navy, Army, Marines and Air Force deserves our respect and gratitude. They sacrificed something precious to all of us: their life, time, and physical safety, all while suspending their vocational dreams. From those who were drafted, to the Reserves and the men and women who freely enlisted, or rose through the ranks of the military academies and colleges, each gave up something to be part of a greater cause. Their sacrifice even extends to those that have protested their deployments or assignments at various moments in our history. Think about that! Their service has preserved and protected the U.S. Constitution and our homeland. At times it's even been at the expense of ridicule, or criticism from the very people they have protected! Disagreement with policy and political decisions is part of our freedom, but no American (naturalized, or those born here) should ever feel anything but gratitude for those who have worn the uniform! Veterans, we salute you, we thank you and your family for the sacrifices you've made, some with the greatest sacrifice of all their lives. May God grant you peace and may we as a people treat you with the benefits, care, and respect you deserve!