2010 Veteran's Day - Time to thank a Veteran and those currently serving

It's Veteran's Day 2010 and it is a day to celebrate, to honor those who have fought for our freedom and the flag of our country! It is about respect! Respect for those who served in the armed forces, whether it was active duty or reserve, whether in the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, or even National Guard. It is a day to celebrate a vet. To thank those who are currently serving, and the families in the military that support the ones who fight. These are the true heroes of our country. The ones who have walked the walk. The ones who have gave everything and got little in return. Daily they continue to fight for freedom. For that, I thank you!

I am a Veteran and today is a day of great honor for me. It is not because I feel people should thank me for my service.  It is because I am honored to have served such a wonderful country.I am honored to have stood behind the falg of the United States. I am a vet. I respect those who have served in our armed forces and I am proud to be a part of this elite group. I am sure other veterans and those who currently serve feel the same way.

When I first joined the military, it was for very stupid reasons. I was young and really didn't put much thought into it. I joined the armed forces because I was bored. I had nothing better to do and the recruiter suggested I take a trip down to Milwaukee, WI to see what I could do for my country. It had nothing to do with patriotism; it had nothing to do with being honorable. It had everything to do with my selfish need to get out of this small town.

It wasn't that I wasn't patriotic. I had other relatives who served. I supported them. I respected the flag. I loved my country. It definately wasn't the worst decision I could have made.

When I look back, my view has changed. Now I look at my time in service with great enthusiasm and fond memories. I left home when I was 18. For the first time in my life I was depending solely on myself. It was a scary feeling. Then I realized... the Army was my family. The people who I met would shape me into the person I am today! After years of contemplation, I finally look at my time in as an honor and not so much of a "fly by the seat of my pants" adventure.

There are several people out there who have served our country. Some have not survived the trip... others are still on the adventure. These people deserve our utmost respect. They have lived on a lack of sleep; ate food that could be classified as a biohazard; and mostly, have left their families behind to fight for strangers they have never met!

I, personally, was one of the lucky ones. I stayed stateside my entire military journey. Yet, I have learned alot about the variety of people that come together purely off one thing in common - the love of their country.

The military is a different breed of people... ones with honor, integrity, respect, dignity... the list could go on and on! But mostly, these are people, regardless of race or sex, who have formed one big family. There is a bond that can't be broken. I know this because it is the Veterans who all come out on Veteran's day who honor each other. Not themselves; their fellow veterans. They come in all ages; they come in all sizes; they come from all different eras!

So on this special day - Veteran's Day - take a special note to thank a vet. While your at it, thank someone who is currently serving in the United States Military. They are the future vets. Thank those who have served each and everyday... because... I can't stress this enough... we can never show enough gratitude for the sacrifices they and their families have made! For this, I thank all of you!