THANK YOU VETERANS

11-11-11

The eleventh month, the eleventh day, the eleventh hour, the eleventh minute, of the eleventh year.

For those of your with a public education after 1965, that was the end of the "War to end all wars," WWI. The armistice (that is what they called the signing of the peace treaty to end the war) was signed on November 11, 1911 at 11:11AM.

It was called Armistice Day in the United States until 1954 when it became Veterans Day to honor the veterans of the United States.

This is a day in which we honor ALL veterans of the United States Military. It is a day that we veterans remember our fallen brothers.

We remember our Shipmates, Air Mates and Brother Grunts, realizing that their sacrifice has given us our freedom.

WWI 116, 516 WWII 405,399 Korea 36,574 Vietnam 58,220 Persian Gulf 382

Afghanistan 916 Iraq 4,362

In addition, 92,600 have never been found for a proper burial.

Because of the sacrifice of 714,969 Soldiers, Sailors, Marines, Airmen and Coast Guardsmen, much of the world is free. Some of the same countries that run us down exist because of these brave men and women.

These are the sons of farmers, mill workers, lawyers, doctors, teachers, policemen, firemen, civil servants. They come from all walks of life, from all levels of society, from every state in the union.

They have done what few of us as a society are willing to do, they have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

Those of us who came back, came back changed. Most came back as boys turned into men. Some came back broken and a shell of the person they once were. Some came back to a hero's welcome. Some didn't even get a thank you.

Right now there are approximately 2 million veterans in our country. Perhaps you know one of them.

Please thank a veteran and let them know you care.