Honoring Service and Sacrifice On Veterans Day

Look to your heart this and every opportunity to show appreciation for the freedoms we enjoy in society that might not otherwise be available without the sacrifices veterans of our armed forces continue to make and will always. These individuals, our brethren, our families, our citizens, are a  breed apart, if you will, from 'the rest' of us, for they share their desire for this great nation, and, indeed, for nations around the world, to stand strong against forces that would overcome us. With dignity and valor, they defend the quest for freedom-loving peoples across the earth to be and remain civilized and steadfast in moving our societies forward, nurturing, teaching, and loving many without the ability to do for themselves. Many facets of a veterans' life is measured by their continuing presence in our lives even after their service has concluded - better to say, after it has taken on a new direction, though not necessarily in the military itself. And we are stronger for their contribution, and choose to honor them for that. Part of that bestowed honor is supporting our military before, during and after their ordeals and life as servicemen and servicewomen - training, education, financing for business, health practices and benefits, retirement - all small prices to pay for what they do and give to us all. Most of all, it is our thanks for having done the unthinkable at times: combat.

Civilians know not what combat entails, though we like to think we can imagine it. No, we cannot know the rigor, the frustration, the attitude of victory (you get to live) or defeat (you don't get to live as you have) being in the throes of annhiliation by enemies of your, and another's people. People of the armed forces will share these experiences with us at times, and for myself, I stand in awe. Blood, guts and tears. Pain, anguish and longing. Love, honor and loyalty. For me, I give high regard to my fellow man who chooses military service and life, and knows the price that may be paid for doing so. My small price in honoring that is easily done.

Yes, Thank YOU, stalwart citizens, for sharing your lives with us, and FOR us all.

Ways to celebrate and honor our veterans:

Iraq: Inside the Inferno 2005-2008 http://bit.ly/a6evqL Buy this book and Help raise $50,000 for Soldiers' Angels

11/8: NPS is proud of the Veterans in our workforce http://bit.ly/cS2KlB Sec. Salazar kicks off week of federal activities honoring veterans

Twitter shares:

@RedCrossSWPA Joins the Nation in Honoring Our Veterans http://bit.ly/9Ama9L Learn more about Holiday Mail for Heroes

@mail4heroes How to support our troops this Veterans Day 2010 - Holiday Mail for Heroes http://bit.ly/aHRM6x

@usairforce Troops, Veterans Get Free Admission to @NatlParkService Attractions on Veterans Day! http://ht.ly/3718u

@US_TRANSCOM We want to honor veterans. Are you a vet? Tell us your story-where did you serve, what branch, why did you join?

@ArmedForcesBowl Special bowl ticket offer for all military veterans http://tiny.cc/r71v5

@gsbstanford Surge in veterans and impact felt at Stanford's graduate schools, including GSB, because of Post-9/11 GI Bill http://bit.ly/cpNSGU

@McCormick_Fdn Fantastic @Reuters special report - humanizes personal and familial consequences of war http://ow.ly/376Wu

@PvtShuttDetach VA policy change helps female veterans with PTSD http://bit.ly/a5mwr9

@Families_United We visited with Veterans who came to DC on Honor Flights - video here http://youtu.be/8CNHJK8ZTKA

@realwarriors Medal of Honor Veterans talk about combat stress, how reaching out is a sign of strength http://j.mp/HeartsofHeroes

@SarahEOlson2009 RT @NAMIMass 7 Ways to Thank National Guard and Reservists http://bit.ly/9e3IIF

@MoStatePA Missouri State University will honor Veterans Day with the Taps Project - YouTube http://onecent.us/dwd

@ILVetsAffairs Listen to the amazing Veteran testimonials on proudtogive.com/

@WomenMisbehavin Other Half - Female Veterans Face Struggles, Too http://bit.ly/ajdG2T

@blackenterprise What do you think are the biggest challenges for veterans when they come home? http://su.pr/2EME4U

@vetsnetwork VA Expands Support for Families of Low-Income Veterans http://bit.ly/cQ6vfA

@snesbitt On Veterans Day, honor those who have served our country-join them. Projects near you: http://www.serve.gov/ @All_for_Good

What A Soldier Left Behind by MCpl Elton Adams mp3 http://onecent.us/bob AND the YouTube VID here http://onecent.us/boc

Please watch this, even if you aren't a Marine. Commandant's Marine Corps Birthday Message - 2010 http://bit.ly/drmQfl

Thank GOD & God BLESS our FABULOUS Marines!!! The Warrior Song - Hard Corps http://youtu.be/Sam4lq2WHos

Marine who pulled Marine's body from ambush may be first living Marine in a generation to receive the Medal Of Honor

@MilitaryAvenue Thank Veterans - Learn about many support orgs in your neighborhood @AmericanLegion http://bit.ly/clEPlq

@MilitaryTimes Ambush hero nominated for Medal of Honor

And, preferably, at the eleventh hour this day, your heart will be with these great people, honoring their legacy, love and sacrifice for their country. Mine will.