Veteran's Day: Honoring All Who Served

Most days I'm very Political. I have strong feeling and view. I express them openly. Today is different though.

Today is Special, it a day were all Americans take a moment to pause, reflex, and honor the men and woman who have served in the Military, and especially the troops who gave their lives.

This day is so important that there is no school, no mail, no government services other then police, fire, and medical.

I fully understand why it is this way. I understand the sacrifice they made, so I can be free, and have the right to agree or disagree with my government, that I may express myself, and all the rights granted me under the Constitution of the United States. I shall never forget, and never be ungrateful.

I never served in the Military myself, but I have connections to it.

My grandfather, George Wheeler, served in the Navy during World War II. He was in the south pacific, fighting Japan. He served on the USS Wasp, and was on it during it sinking. He lived. I'm not sure how he served his remaining time in the Navy.

I have a Uncle, Jim Atwood, who served in the Navy as well. He was on a submarine most of the time. He served during the Vietnam era

My cousin, Beckie, married a serviceman, Chris Merrill. He has done a few tours in Iraq, but is back in America now. I attend there wedding, but have not stayed in contact.

My ex -wife, Christy Johnson, grandfather also served in the Navy during World War II

Christy's father, Steven Johnson, served in Vietnam, and Korea. He also guarded one of Hitler's top lieutenants in a prison in Berlin, Germany.

During my teen's and early 20's, I live in Norwich, Connecticut. Norwich is within New London County. This county is also home to Submarine Base -Groton, and US Coast Guard Academy.

On the Northeast corner of Las Vegas is Nellis Air Force Base.

About an hour north of Las Vegas, is the most nuked and bombed land in the world. It is the Nevada Test Site and Nellis Range. Here the Armed Services practice desert warfare, much like the tactics being used in Iraq and Afghanistan. Nuclear bomb testing went on there regularly till banned by treaty and executive order in the 1990's, or so we been told. Nevada Test Site is also home to Area 51, a base so secret that the government sill to this day it refuses to confirm or even acknowledge it existence.

Many of my family lines in genealogy go through the wars that has shaped us a nation. It seems not matter if it was birth, adoptive, or family I married in too.

We as a nation, and individuals, owe a debt that can never be repayed to the Men and Women of all branches of the United States Military. It doesn't matter if they were drafted or volunteered. They answered the call to duty.

I support the members of the United States Military station around the globe, and those of our partner nations. May the all come home alive and safe very soon.

As you go about you routine today, please take a moment of silent relaxation. If you have child(ren), please explain why this day is special.

And remember these two simple but moving slogans, 1) Freedom is not free, and 2) All gave some, and some gave all.

May the Lord & Lady look over and bless America, the World, and the members of the military

So Mote it Be )O(