An Open Letter to and about our Veterans

It's Veterans Day 2009. I just returned from the cemetery where I visited the grave site of my father, a WWII Veteran. I'm sitting in my comfortable office in my comfortable home, in my comfortable, quiet neighborhood, in a state and nation that respects me and allows me to live freely, voicing my opinions as I like, whether or not those opinions agree or collide with the majority or the governing body. And I do this during a time of war, not peace. How is this possible? In a world where there is so much grief and strife, how is it that I can live such a comfortable existence, especially when our country is in the middle of a war, the loss of which would mean the annihilation of this type of existence?

The answer is our Armed Forces. It always has been. The men and women, who for over 233 years have put their lives on the line for the rest of us. All gave some, some gave all. From the men at Valley Forge to the men in Iraq, I owe gratitude. To every person who has ever served in the United States Armed Forces, I thank you. Your country thanks you. And to the men and women serving today in the War Against Terrorism, a special Thank You for every moment that you have sacrificed away from your family and loved ones, ensuring that our way of life will continue for future generations.

To everyone who reads this, I ask that you please, in your travels about town, stop and shake the hand of every veteran you see. If in doubt, ask. Many will quietly or shyly tell you yes, he or she is a veteran of Vietnam, or Korea, or WWII, or Desert Storm/Desert Shield, or Afghanistan, or Iraq. Sadly, many may also tell you that you are the first to thank him for his Service. Some will tell you they need no thanks, they had an "unimportant job" or did not Serve during a time of war.

But I say (and I am sure you join me) that every job in the Armed Forces is important, and each one of them Served nevertheless; each one stood ready to go into combat for our freedom, and for this they are every one a Hero in my book. And I thank you, each and every one.

If you are reading this and would like to learn about the history of Veterans Day and its meaning, I invite you to visit this website:

Turn up your speakers, and prepare to be humbled.
Let's all say, "Thank you, Veterans. Not only today, but every day."

Gratefully yours,
Susan Walker
Glendale, Arizona
Veterans Day 2009

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