Veterans Day is a day to think about and thank all of our Veterans: Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, Coasties, and Guardians. No matter when or where they served, they made sacrifices that enable us to live the lives we are privileged to live in this country. We have not had a draft since 1973, so most of these men and women volunteered to serve their country. Many of our younger Veterans were motivated by the attack on 9/11, and came into the service knowing they would be sent in harm’s way. Yet, they raised their right hands and swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies. Whether they deployed or not, they served their country, went where they were needed, and accomplished their missions.
But it is not an easy life. The hours are long, weekends are often just two more work days, the job can be dangerous (in and out of combat), and there are months and years of family separations. All of this takes a toll, but these great Americans got up every morning, put on their uniforms, grabbed their equipment, and went out to do what needed to be done. When their service was completed, they donned their civilian garb and became productive members of their communities. They are your neighbors, co-workers, schoolmates, and relatives.
Many who served overseas were severely injured, forever changing their lives. Homes For Our Troops is continuing our mission to build a specially adapted home for each post-9/11 Veteran severely injured in the Afghanistan or Iraq theaters of war. So far, with the tremendous support of our donors, fundraisers, supporters, and corporate partners, we have been able to do that for over 420 Veterans in 45 states.
We can never truly repay them for what they did and what they experienced in the course of keeping our homeland and citizens safe, but we certainly can show them our thanks.
Please take some time today to thank the Veterans in your lives. Their patriotism and valor are the reasons we can enjoy the freedoms we have today. To those who have served and those currently serving, I salute YOU for your service and sacrifice.
Happy Veterans Day.