More than I Can Say

Somehow "Happy Veteran's Day" just doesn't seem a cohesive and properly dictated phrase. "Thank a Veteran Day" seems far more profitable.

Thank you for dying that I might live. Thank you for believing in freedom and justice for all, whether on American soil or abroad, that I might live in peace, prosperity, and without fear for my life or liberty. Thank you for bravely bearing the atrocities of war throughout your lives that I might be free from the horrors of such things.

May your sleep be blessed and peaceful. May your heart be relieved of survivor's guilt. May you one day again see the face of your commrades and hear it said, "Well done." May I savor every meal, a comfortable bed and sleep, a vigorous stroll, and every breath while remembering that you went without food, without sleep or slept in the rain and mud of a foxhole, lost limbs, and sacrificed your very life that I might enjoy even these simple things and see the beauty in them.

Please take the time to look into the eyes, shake the hand of, and sincerely thank someone who served this great country with his or her life that we might live, indeed.

Thank you, Votaw (WWII Army Veteran and survivor of the Bataan Death March).
Thank you, Ralph (Korean Army Veteran and National Guardsman).
Thank you, R (Marine Veteran of Operation Desert Storm and former Body Bearer burying with honor those who honorably served).
Thank you, Mom (Army Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom).

Thank you, Marines.
Thank you, Soldiers.
Thank you, Sailors.
Thank you, Airmen.
Thank you, Guardsmen (Army and Air).
Thank you, Coast Guard.