[November 11, 2015] Today is Veterans Day in the United States. There will be parades, speeches, and many who will make a special effort to honestly thank our military veterans for their service to the nation and contribution to our freedoms. To those people, I say, thank you. But, in reality, while there is much to celebrate, all is not well among our vets.
More has happened in the last decade to hurt the military than has occurred since the end of the Vietnam War. The U.S. military itself is in decline; fewer combat-ready units, active-duty and vet health care problems, use of the military as a test bed for political patronage and social experimentation. This is not the result of the war on terror but by self-ingratiating politicians and weak military leaders who allow this to occur. Of course, this is not something we should celebrate.
For the past two decades, perhaps more, I’ve given a speech at some formal event honoring vets and our current military folks. It always gave me a singular chance to thank the American public for their unwavering support to the military vet. But I will not be speaking this year out of choice. I will spend my time with my wife and family … and cook a few hamburgers and hotdogs on the grill out in the backyard. My family asked me for to spend time with them and I’m honoring all families for supporting the American vet. Thank you!
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protect, and handed on for them to do the same.” – Ronald Reagan
My desire to help make America a better place by supporting our military is resolute. To be called a patriot, therefore, is my highest calling for our country.
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