Veteran's Day

I hope every person in our country takes a moment to reflect on the gift that our veterans have given us.

We have a country where we change our leaders by the ballot, not by the bullet. We have the right to gather and discuss the successes and the failings of our government. We have the right to publicly disagree with anyone. We have the right to be right or wrong as long was we don't harm others. We can associate with whom ever we choose and we can be as unique as we want. We can read anything, share our opinions, and live the lifestyle we desire because of our veterans.

Our military veterans and those currently in the service are the ones that changed the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States into functioning documents. The beautiful words that express the desires of men and women to be free would have little meaning if citizens had not answered the call to service and fought to earn the freedoms outlined in those documents. Our founding documents carry such great weight around the world because our brave citizens chose to back up those words with their actions as Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, and Airmen.

It is fitting that the armistice of the first world war be a time to reflect on the gifts that our veteran's have given us and the sacrifices that they have made on our behalf.

My respect and thanks go to each veteran from those brave men who volunteered to fight in the American Revolution to our courageous men and women who today continue the fight against terrorists who seek to destroy our country and force innocents around the world to adopt their beliefs.

We must never forget the deaths, the changed lives, or the bravery of each veteran regardless of when they served. Peacetime or war, the members of the American military have always stood for the principles of our great nation. Each American family joins today in remembering the sacrifices that have been made to ensure our countries freedoms.

Join with me today in thanking God for so many citizens who answered the call to serve our country. Take the time to thank a veteran and also the ones who serve today.