Tuesday, November 11, 2008

To all of our veterans...

... Those who have served, those who are serving, and to those who wish to serve in the future, to those who have returned unharmed, and to those who been asked to pay the price, I wholeheartedly thank you all! Even if you've never left the country or been in harm's way, the fact that you answered the call means you would have. You have preserved our rights and freedoms, an enabled us all to live the lives we do, and there is no real way to pay you back other than to thank you and to keep your memories and legacies alive in our thoughts and in our hearts. Knowing we have those in our armed forces who do what they do is just one of many things that makes me proud. God bless our veterans and God bless this great country in which I am fortunate enough to live in!

Monday, November 10, 2008

We all know who they are...











...and we've heard some of the stories of what they have done. They've put it on the line time and time again to help keep us what we are. While some have paid ultimate price, they and their families have all given something. I won't go into specifics, but we know those who I am referring to. Our veterans! I have been fortunate enough to know many, to meet several others and to have even a few of them tell me some of their stories about their ordeals. I think of them all every day.

Granted, living in a town who's sole exisitence depends on the memories of some of these mean and their struggles to preserve freedom, it is hard not to be reminded of them on an almost-constant basis. I'm glad that's the case. The monuments and graves will hopefully live on forever, just like the memories of those the monuments honor, and the country they've all helped to preserve. Yet there are many others who seem to be forgotten about because their wars and their ordeals don't appear to be popular or patriotic.

It has always amazed me that the very same people our veterans are defending are sometimes the first in line to blame or to try to persecute the troops involved because the war is unpopular. It is not the job of the individual soldier, sailor, airman, or marine to question the war, and given the choice, they wouldn't be there. They go because their country asked them to, and because it is their duty. Hate the war? Fine! Just don't hate the men and women who are there.

It is a bit ironic that this year, Veteran's Day comes just a week after election day. How many of you reading this did not vote? That's your choice, and our veterans have made that choice possible. They also went to war to preserve your right to vote. If you were eligible to vote and for some reason chose not to, shame on you!

That said, no matter what you have or haven't done recently, take a moment or to and remember our veterans of all wars. If you see any veterans out there, don't be afraid or ashamed to walk up to them, thank them and shake their hand. I do it all the time. Most are a bit surprised at first, but all are glad that someone remembers them! You don't have to wait until a holiday comes along to do so, either. Do it all the time.

By the way, the distinguished looking, older gentleman in the photo above is Joe Lesniewski. Joe is an Easy Co. 506th PIR veteran, and was featured in Band of Brothers. Joe trained at Camp Toccoa, jumped into Normandy (til this very day, he is not sure just exactly where he landed, though!), jumped into Holland, defended Bastogne, and made the climb to the Eagle's Nest. Joe saw and lived through more hardship in a few years than anyone should ever have to endure. Yet he survived and went on to live a good life in a thankful country.I had the pleasure of meeting Joe and spending some time talking with him a few years ago. What can I say? It was quite an honor, and I am thankful I had the opportunity. I spent about 2 hours with him, and could have easily spent two months. The man, just like many others of his kind, is truly a national treasure! They all should know how much we respect and admire them, and how thankful we are for what they have done.

Wednesday, November 5, 2008

The Journey Down the Dark Path...

...has begun, and we all know that once you journey toward the dark side forever will it dominate your destiny!

Our fellow Americans have chosen to elect Barack Obama as our next President. I respect the right to do so, but I am in disbelief as to how this could have happened! I fear for the safety of our country as a whole, as our aggressive national defense policy is now coming to an end. Instead of making those who wish to harm us pay for their actions, we now have a leader who would rather sit down and talk it over.

Capital gains taxes sharing the wealth and mandated health care also cause me to fear for small business owners.

What will the next 4 years bring us? Increased taxes, higher prices, loss of jobs & recession on a scale heretofore unheard of! Add to that a state of national insecurity and an increased risk of massive terrorist attacks, and the end of America as we know it.

I hope God truly blesses America because come next year we all will need a blessing!