Veteran's Day

My earliest memory of the word "veteran" was being told that my grandfather was a veteran. He was stationed in France as an Army pharmacist during World War I. Unfortunately, he passed away before I was old enough to really know him. I never had the opportunity to ask him about, or thank him for, his service.

Today's Seattle Times has a fine op-ed by a local veteran who happens to be a friend of mine, Terry Thomas -- "Take time to thank those who defended this nation"

when one reflects upon the heralded history of our armed forces, it becomes easy to see why America's veterans have long been revered for not only overcoming life's adversities but also for their noble achievements in advancing the cause of freedom and liberty for both friend and foe alike.

Accordingly, we should seek them out and offer a heartfelt "thank you" for their service. Today, many will be thinking of times, places, sacrifices and comrades long gone. To know that their fellow countrymen are reflecting upon those same sacrifices, too, touches their hearts and reassures them that heavy personal prices, paid along the way, were well purchased for an appreciative and caring public.

Terry is a former U.S. Marine Corps Major. He also fought as a reserve officer in the liberation of Iraq last year.

Thank you, Terry, for your service and for your eloquent tribute to your fellow veterans. And a heartfelt thank you to all of the men and women who have given so much of themselves to serve in our nation's armed forces.

Posted by Stefan Sharkansky at November 11, 2004 01:40 PM