One of my favorite posts each year (and usually the most DIFFICULT to write!).

Purple Heart Trail – Just across the state line on I-40

Writing a few words each year at this time to say THANKS to all the veterans is always something I look forward to doing. Ironically, it’s also become possibly the most difficult post I write each year. That’s not just because the subject matter packs so much emotion when you really stop and think about how we would have no free market without the freedom provided by our veterans. Nor is it simply because my own father’s service means more to me each year (more on that here if you’re interested).

The reason this post has gotten so much more difficult for me to do each year is because I know so many of YOU good folks who honor me by reading my writings each week have worn our country’s uniform. And when I’ve asked you if I can mention you by name and thank you in digital print for what you’ve done, you have each politely, but firmly, declined. The reason being that you don’t feel like your service was anything special. You have flatly told me you’re just doing your duty and that you’d feel uncomfortable with me doing anything other than leaving it at that.

I’m tempted to argue. I’m tempted to point out that even if you are a service man or woman reading this who did not serve in a combat situation or during a conflict, you still took an oath to defend this great nation of ours and that oath you took could have very easily landed you in harms way. And how knowing that and still, willingly, taking that oath indeed makes you very important to my family and millions of other American’s you’ll likely never meet, whether or not it’s your desire to be considered so. 

But rather than push the issue, or embarrass or offend you, I’ll simply close with my heartfelt appreciation for your service to our country, and remind us all of the debt we owe you.

Lest we forget, no freedom, no free market.

Veterans, THANK YOU!

 This nation will remain the land of the free only so long as it is the home of the brave.” —Elmer Davis

 

P.S. – Hey, if you’re interested in a good series about WWII, professor Thomas Childers has a program called “WWII: A Military and Social History” and you can find a copy at the Oklahoma City Public Library. I actually got it on audio and am listening to it in my car. Another good series, also at the library, is Ken Burns’ “The War.”