Thank you, Veterans!

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November 11th is a very special day. It's not special because our students and staff get the day off. It's special for the reason we all have the day off.

Our Veterans, who have served our country throughout the past two centuries - who fought for our freedoms and our way of life, deserve every "thank you" they can get. This Veteran's Day, please make the effort to thank at least one veteran for what they have done FOR YOU and YOUR country.

In every war, every police action and every conflict we have that involves our military, many more men and women become veterans. Too often, we think of only those who served in wars long past as our true veterans, but every man and woman who puts their life on the line for our country in times of conflict become veterans.

Recently, one of my family members was on an airplane, flying cross country. In the seat next to her was a young member of our armed forces in uniform. As she chatted with this young man, he talked about how he had been away serving on the other side of the world and was on his way home to see his family. She decided to buy him lunch when she noticed that he hadn't ordered one. She then thanked him for his service and how proud she was to sit by someone who was willing to give so much to his country. His eyes became watery and he took out a napkin and wrote a thank you to her for her generosity and how much it meant to him that someone recognized his service. He told her how he had been sending his money home to support his family and couldn't afford to buy a lunch. He told her that he was very touched that a stranger would take a few minutes to honor him in such a way. When the plane landed they exchanged a hug and the young soldier went to meet his family. Both lives were changed that day with a simple "thank you". That napkin, with the special note, is now framed and hanging in her office and serves as a reminder that there are so many people looking out for us in this world and that we owe it to them to let them know how much we appreciate it.

My father, a veteran of World War II, never talked much about his experiences there. It was a duty to him that he serve his country. He never thought twice about enlisting and even lied about his age to get in. The pride he had in his country was obvious, and fortunately, that spirit still lives on in those who choose to wear the uniform of the United States military.

It's wonderful to know that we still have people that understand that freedom isn't free; that sacrifices are made daily.

Thank you to all who have served our country and continue to do so. I salute you all!


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