Sunday Morning Reflections - Appreciation for our Veterans

Just a grab shot while at lunch in Atlanta at Max Lager's

It's a typical Sunday morning and as always, I go off track a little...okay, sometimes a lot! LOL  Well, with Veteran's Day on Tuesday, I can't help but think about those Americans serving in the military. 

Last night on the news there was a story about three thousand more troops headed to Iran. I don't disagree with the need to challenge the growing grip of ISIS on the world, but we all need to stay focused on our appreciation and support for our military. 
 
But, the purpose of this post this morning isn't to get into politics. I want to express appreciation for the thousands of men and women who protect so much we take for granted...our freedoms. 

During Viet Nam. I was in that first lottery and with a number of 297 in Lake County, Ohio, my number was never going to be called. I never served in the military. However, that doesn't change the respect I have for everyone who did and is serving in the military today.

A month ago I wrote about taking my Dad, now 92, on Honor Flight. It was an amazing experience, as we shared a unique level of respect for what "the greatest generation" did to preserve our way of life today.  Honor flight has two outstanding tag lines that say it all...

"We can't all be heroes. Some of us have to stand on the curb and clap as they go by!" 
Will Rogers

And my favorite...

"If you can read this, thank a teacher. 
If you can read this in English, thank a veteran."

That's Dad on the far left with the group from our recent Honor Flight trip. Just click on the image to find out more about Honor Flight.

On this November Sunday morning before Veteran's a day it's an opportunity to express a big thank you to all of you who are veterans, those of you have sons and daughters in the military now, my Dad who served in WWII, our son Bryan who serves today and my brother-in-law, Randy, who probably sleeps in his Marine baseball hat every night. Thank you all for the sacrifices you've made to give us the ability to take so much for granted.

Bryan and Dad in the reflection of the VietNam Memorial