Remembrance Monday, November 12, 2007

I always find it a little bittersweet to use the phrase "Happy Veterans Day," especially when, in times like these, the state of our veteran care is not very good and many people are not willing to admit that the American government (in a lot of ways) has turned its back on our soldiers.

Political views aside, please remember what is really important today: appreciating and celebrating our veterans, and recognizing all the things they have done for our collective freedom.

I will personally be honoring and remembering the following people today.

Horace B----
Spanish American War - Navy
My maternal great-grandfather

Horace "Haughty" S-----
World War II - Navy
My maternal grandmother's beloved, only brother, died at the age of 18 in the Battle of Corregidor

Joseph M-----
World War II - Army
My paternal grandfather

Philip -------
Vietnam Era Veteran - Army
My father

War is a contentious issue - it's vicious, merciless, horrible, and in some people's opinions, necessary. Whether or not you subscribe to a pacifist perspective, you cannot deny the bravery of the people who have fought to protect the freedoms we enjoy each day, here in this beautiful, mixed up country.

Please hug a vet today, and give them your thanks.