Unlike my father, a man of few words I am not. My father's personal motto has always been, "better to be silent and thought a fool than to open your mouth and erase all doubt." Well in the case of his youngest son, all doubt was erased many moons ago. However, the last few days have been quite difficult for me and I find myself, for the first time in my recent memory, simply unable to express my feelings with words. But as this Veteran's Day approaches I am compelled to make an attempt, no matter how feeble, to express my profound gratitude to the men and women, both living and passed, who have selflessly defended our nation's freedom.
As a husband, father, and citizen of our great Nation I enjoy luxuries never before seen in the annals of history. Not just luxuries of convenience and prosperity, but the luxuries of freedom and individual rights. I can proudly proclaim belief in our Almighty God- and that his Son Jesus paid the price for my freedom from spiritual death. And I can proclaim this without fear of death or reprisal because the American Soldier paid the price for my physical freedom. Because men and women of many races, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds defended one flag and one ideal- that all men have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
As Americans we have been truly blessed by God that he has provided men and women willing to serve and die in order to make us the most prosperous nation in the history of mankind. On this Veteran's Day, as all Veteran's Days, we have the duty as beneficiaries of these great sacrifices to remember the price that they have paid. Bound by a sense of honor and respect we should offer prayers and support to all those that have donned the uniform.
So, if you could read this, thank a teacher- if you are reading it in English, thank a soldier!
As a husband, father, and citizen of our great Nation I enjoy luxuries never before seen in the annals of history. Not just luxuries of convenience and prosperity, but the luxuries of freedom and individual rights. I can proudly proclaim belief in our Almighty God- and that his Son Jesus paid the price for my freedom from spiritual death. And I can proclaim this without fear of death or reprisal because the American Soldier paid the price for my physical freedom. Because men and women of many races, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds defended one flag and one ideal- that all men have the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
As Americans we have been truly blessed by God that he has provided men and women willing to serve and die in order to make us the most prosperous nation in the history of mankind. On this Veteran's Day, as all Veteran's Days, we have the duty as beneficiaries of these great sacrifices to remember the price that they have paid. Bound by a sense of honor and respect we should offer prayers and support to all those that have donned the uniform.
So, if you could read this, thank a teacher- if you are reading it in English, thank a soldier!
