Monday, November 10, 2014

To Those Who Have Served

Thank you.

It is not enough, but it is a start. For all the men and women who have and do serve our great nation, Thank You!

I am very proud to claim a number of veterans in my family: A sister and her husband; two grandfathers; an uncle; a nephew; a niece; and more. I also have many friends who have willingly and courageously sacrificed a part of their lives so that I may live mine with the freedoms and liberties afforded to me because I am an American. Is thank you enough?

These men and women have served our nation; it is because of them that we are who we are, where we are, how we are. Make it personal: You and I would not have the lives we know if not for our veterans. We would not be free. We would not be independent. We would not be Americans if not for them. Is thank you enough?

In the air, on the sea, over the land, in times of peace and strife, through stifling heat and bitter cold, across mountains and deserts, braving ocean waves and swells, they have served. Through mud, sweat, tears, sand, dust, and yes--even blood--they have continued on. For me. For you. Is thank you enough?

No corner has been too far, no enemy too great, no obstacle too high, nor fear too deep for them to overcome. They have cried, they have collapsed, they have lost and they have mourned, but never have they failed to rise and stand again. Is thank you enough?

How many have we lost? How many have given their all, everything they had, and were, and could be, for our sake? How many never enjoyed the freedoms they provided and protected because they were too busy sacrificing for us? How many never saw home again? Is thank you enough?

There is no end to what could, and should, be said. They deserve all that they have given us. They deserve more than we have given them. These words are not enough, but they are all I have.

Thank you!

No comments:

Post a Comment