I’m home from work today – a much needed day off – and I’ve had the opportunity to think about why I’m home. Today, as you may remember is Veteran’s day.

When I was fresh out of high school, I walked into the Navy recruiter’s office, and 10 minutes later walked out; refused entry. Flat feet? Something like that – asthma. In 1977, Vietnam was over, the draft had ended, and the military had the power to be picky during voluntary “peacetime”. Long story short, I’ve never served in the Military. My experience as it is, however gives me a deep pride in the men and women that do serve our country. I had a cousin, whom I loved very much, that I firmly believe died because of PTSD caused from Vietnam. I’ve known many men and women, veterans of the military that need our support when they ‘come home’. Need our support? This is something that we should be freely giving to these brave men and women.

With a voluntary military, these young people know what they are getting into, yet they take the risk. Of course in peacetime the motives to join the military are varied and not always patriotic, but none-the-less, they know. Today we have thousands of American soldiers on foreign ground. I ask you to join me and celebrate these men and woman for standing up and giving service to their country. The next thing we need to do (and most important) is make sure their country serves them.

In 1919, this holiday was called Armistice Day. A day to celebrate the cessation of combat in World War I; A day to celebrate peace. Let’s not forget the origins of Veteran’s Day. While I honor or veterans for their service, let us remember that it is PEACE that we are striving for in the world. So if we must scream out; “Let freedom ring” … can we please add to that, “Let PEACE and freedom ring”.

Love and Bright blessings ~ Richard