I'd like to say that please always remember our veterans who fought for our freedom. I was there during the '98 conflict in Iraq; but unfortunately I got injured thus couldn't be there with our boys today in Afghanistan.

I would like to take the time and simply say Thank You to all the Veterans.  Thank you for your service and that portion of your life you dedicated to serving.

Bless you all for your service to the greatest country on Earth

-- Modified on 11/11/2010 12:20:48 PM

It is great that many in this country have taken the time to remember that all the great accomplishments of our military are the result of the efforts of millions of men and women who weren't always as popular as they are now.  I served from 1974 through 1994, and during the early days there wasn't a whole lot of 'thank you's' going around.

If you are able,
save them a place
inside of you
and save one backward glance
when you are leaving
for the places they can
no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say
you loved them,
though you may
or may not have always.
Take what they have left
and what they have taught you
with their dying
and keep it with your own.
And in that time
when men decide and feel safe
to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace
those gentle heroes
you left behind.

Major Michael Davis O'Donnell
1 January 1970
Dak To, Vietnam

Simple but eloquent...and it still brings tears to my eyes.

Pat J