With All Our Humble Thanks

Today is Veterans Day. Along with Independence Day and Memorial Day, this is one of the most American days of the year and one that should not be taken lightly. How in the world can any of us properly express our gratitude to those who have served or serve today, whether at home or abroad, in defense of our country? How can we ever properly honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf? I wish there was such a way, and I wish we were always cognizant of our need as a people to extend our thanks and love to these individuals. In the meantime, we should take any opportunity available to honor and appreciate the brave men and women who grant me the freedom to write this blog without censorship, to join my brothers and sisters of faith in worship on Sunday or at any other time we please, to do as I will with my financial and personal assets, and to question or petition my government when circumstances and conviction require it. For these and so many other freedoms, we owe an immense debt to thousands of fellow Americans who have fought for us, usually without knowing us, against tremendous odds and against dangers they could not have imagined themselves. I am glad to see that more tributes to our veterans are being offered by America's corporate community this year than ever before. Several restaurant chains are allowing veterans to dine with them for free today, while many parks and other recreational locations are offering them free admission, as well as a host of other discounts and freebies across the country. All of these are great ideas and, hopefully, a trend that will grow. But a personal word of thanks from a fellow citizen is still one of the greatest acts of appreciation that we can offer. So perhaps, when a veteran is being offered a free meal by his waiter or waitress at Chili's or Applebee's or wherever he or she chooses to dine today with his family, someone at a nearby table will overhear them and take that prompt to offer their thanks. It only takes a handshake and the words "thank you" to remind a brave soldier that we recognize what they did and we realize what it means to us. This is appreciation at its humble, meager best, but it's a start. And while we may have more opportunity to identify those veterans who deserve our thanks on a day like today, don't let it end when November 11 passes. Anytime you have the chance, thank someone who put on the uniform and decided (whether voluntarily or by compulsion) to turn their life over to the fight for freedom, even if only for a little while. Let every day be like Veterans Day.
I thank all those whom I have known and whom I have never met who are currently serving both overseas and here at home, as well as those who have served in the past and are still here making America great by their active citizenship, and especially those who laid down their lives so that many of us would not have to, for their great service and dedication to a country, an idea, and a life that we call the United States of America.
And now, for a slightly unexpected touch of honor and fun on this Veterans Day, here is a salute to the troops concert clip from Kiss (not in costume and makeup). Apparently, they like to rock and roll all night with the soldiers as much as with a concert audience here at home. Enjoy and sing along. Happy Veterans Day!