To be a veteran

Many of us know today is Veterans Day. On this day in 1918, World War I ended, at 11am exactly. At 11am every November 11th, we should pause and remember our lost soldiers and honor our veterans.

As a veteran today is always a special day; I am not a veteran who had a long tour overseas, who saw comrades die in front of me, or won medals. I served in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard respectively, and loved my time in service.  

I am humbled and honored by those who have given so much more than me. My grandfathers and brothers are great examples of men who served, given more to our country and did long tours oversea.  I cannot imagine the hardship of being away from home for long periods the milestones they missed, what they experienced or saw while there. Never being able to erase the memories, there are things that will never be shared.

Beyond the hardship of tours and the of risk of death there are the many injuries some you can see and some you cannot. Many will never heal but are reminders of the time spent and given to this great country. I know this first hand.

On this day and any other day, I ask that when you see someone in uniform, or someone who has served, that you pause and sincerely thank them. For their time away from home, for the battles they cannot erase from their minds, the time away from friends and family that cannot be returned, the injuries that cannot be healed, and mostly the freedom we enjoy because of their sacrifices.

For all those who took the oath and took that basic training photo, thank you!