For our generation, when we look back on veterans, the men and women that served in Vietnam, Korea and World War II are what we think of…nothing against Gulf War Veterans, but it is the time period that I served in both the Army and the Navy Reserves…and I don’t think of myself as a veteran…maybe when I am older.

The image of old men in VFW hats making their way down streets in small town America immediately pops into my head when Veterans Day is mention and rolls around every year.

This day was originally set aside in 1919 to celebrate the ending of World War I, which officially ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

I’d like to take this time to thank a group of veterans that has long been forgotten about…those that fought the American War of Independence.

Wars were fought differently then…and for different reasons.

In 1775 a group of colonists rejected to premise that they could be governed without representation and fought to end the tyranny and allegance to a “foreign” government.  They fought and, tens of thousands died for our freedom and the creation of the country we live in today.

As a nation, we have struggled with the changing times and have been slow to correct some mistakes we have made in the 200+ years of existence, but we have done a fairly good job and I can’t think of a better country to call home. 

War is something that each generation has had to endure.  

During that Revoutionary period, one man had to look in the eyes of another before he pulled the trigger.   Today technology has changed the way this happens and maybe a bit of the humanity behind the decisions that are made.

Today, a person can sit in a building in Washington, control a drone that can drop an explosive and end the lives of countless people without looking in their eyes.

This is not to disparage todays soldier, sailor or airmen…today is just different.

I think we all long for the day that wars will not have to fought and the need for soldiers will not exist, but surely not a the cost of anyone having to live under the tyranny of a government that doesn’t represent the people.

We all know that day will not exist.

On this day, we honor those that have died, have served and survived and even those serving today.

I am proud to be a part of that middle group and even more proud of the freedom that each and every soldier, sailor and airman has fought to support, defend and even establish this great nation.

Thank you.