Today is Veterans day, a day we use to honor those that have served our country. To many, it means posting a thank you for your service some where on a social media website. To some it means to think back to a memory, or story from a loved one who has served this great country. To those families that have active members in the service, it is realizing the cost of service.

In todays society we take a lot for granted. Things that were once sacred are made a mockery, used to show the world just what some think of our flag, our country, and those that have sacrificed so much to protect them. I am of the age that I remember the Vietnam war. I remember the draft, and the fear a loved one would be drafted. I remember hearing someone was exempt from the draft because of a medical condition, and thinking, thank you Jesus. I remember seeing them publicly burning their draft cards, and being sent to jail. I remember hearing rumors of men who didn’t want to serve fleeing to Canada. I remember the special reports that updated us on the war. I remember the air raid drills and the sirens that accompanied them. I remember the ongoing warning that we need to be prepared, and I remember the announcement that the war was over. It was a terrifying time to spend your childhood in. Their was always the threat that life could change at any moment.

Then I remember when those vets came home. The way they were treated by the Jane Fonda’s (Hanoi Jane) of the world. The protests against the US involvement, and the discriminations against the men (many that were drafted). They were called baby killers, and war mongers. Many came home having been exposed to agent orange, they have since died, or are still suffering because of exposure to dioxin, the deadly toxin. Many came back addicted to heroin, some have overcome the addition, and some still live on our streets today. I can only image the horror’s these men experienced, and have heard the stories of a few, it would be enough to change anyone.

That was all many moons ago. There were many wars before it and there have been many wars since, and unfortunately their will be many more to come. Many men and women have died for this country. Many have came home different then when they left. Many have missed the opportunities to see the birth of a child, watched their first steps, or seen them graduate. They have missed everyday life with their families, have been unable to tell a loved one goodbye, or comfort them though an illness. Yes our veterans deserve our thinks, their families deserve our thinks. We can do that every time be say the pledge of allegiance to our flag. We can do that by thanking them when we see them on the streets. We can that by being respectful to their service. We can do that by acknowledging the price their families pay when their loved ones are serving this great country.

Today it is with a heart full of gratitude that I say think you to the men and women that have served this great country of ours. May you always know that your service has not been in vain.