How Did I Miss Veteran's Day?

by Skip Cohen

While I feel a little embarrassed that I completely missed Veteran's Day yesterday, I'm going to blame it on aging, the pandemic, a hurricane hitting Sarasota, and too many lost brain cells at concerts in the 70s.

You'd think with so much contact with the military in our lives, including my favorite baseball hat above, I would have remembered. From time with my Dad and our son through HonorFlight.org, our flag flown as part of "Inherent Resolve" in 2016, and Uncle Randy, who's never without a Marine baseball hat, we're surrounded by firsthand reminders of family members who have served our country.

When I took my Dad to D.C. as part of HonorFlight's program in 2014, there was a line of theirs that hit home incredibly hard. While it might seem a little over the top to start, think about it:

If you can read this, thank a teacher.
If you can read this in English, thank a soldier.
Unknown Author

So, to my Dad, son, Uncle Randy, friends like Stacey Pearsall who have served and continue to support our veterans, and all the parents out there who have kids serving today - thank you for your service and the freedom we so often take for granted.

​I may have missed sharing my thoughts on Veteran's Day yesterday, but there isn't a day that goes by that I don't appreciate everything you've all contributed to our lives.