I just finished reading a book called, "Hill 488", by Ray Hildreth and Charles W. Sasser (co-author of "One Shot-One Kill"), about a platoon of Recon Marines who made a valiant stand against an estimated battalion's worth of VC/NVA in Vietnam, in 1966.
At the end of the epilogue, the author is speaking many years later with another survivor of that terrible night, Bob Martinez, who said, and I quote:
"You don't have to wait until November to have Veterans Day. Every day of freedom we have is Veterans Day."
As we near Veterans Day this year, I am once again reminded of the sacrifices of the few for the many, so that we may enjoy the freedoms we have today. Without the willing sacrifice of the few, we would not have the freedoms that we do have today, that so many take for granted.
We wouldn't have the freedom of the internet (which some would take away), enabling me to post this entry in my blog, and allowing you to read it - or not.
We wouldn't have the freedom of choosing which political party to support, as we would be told which political party to support, which would in all likelihood be the only political party.
We wouldn't have the freedom of assembly with whomever we chose to assemble together with, for whatever reason.
We wouldn't have the freedom of choosing which form of religion under which to worship God, if we were so inclined to do so. We probably wouldn't be able to worship God if we wanted to.
We wouldn't have the freedom of even turning on a light, as Thomas Edison may not have had the freedom to invent it.
We wouldn't have the freedom of having cell phones, as Alexander Graham Bell may not have had the freedom to invent the telephone.
We wouldn't have the freedom of enjoying many things that we take for granted in our day to day lives, as freedom of thought would be stifled, thereby stifling the new ideas necessary for new inventions, new ways of looking at things, new ways of doing things.
But most of all, we wouldn't have the freedom of enjoying freedom.
As you go about your daily lives, take a moment to reflect on the freedoms that you enjoy (and maybe take for granted - we all do), and if by chance you happen to know, or meet up with a veteran, tell him or her "Thank you!". If you know, or meet up with someone currently in the military, tell him or her "Thank you!" - and let them know why you're thanking them!
Don't be surprised if they respond in a very humble manner (because most of us do when people tell us "Thank you!"). Just smile, and if you are so inclined, give 'em a hug, too.
To all my fellow veterans, and to those of you who are on active duty, or in the Reserves or National Guard - THANK YOU!
Your sacrifice - and being in the military is both a sacrifice and a priveledge - has allowed me to enjoy so many wonderful things in my life, which I never would have without your willing sacrifice. So, my most humble thanks to all of you.
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