Veterans Day 2016 — Everything For Something

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

  There was a Dire Straits song back in the 1980’s called “Money For Nothing.”  In much of our society, that’s become a strategy, or at the very least an expectation.  There are many among us who’d love nothing more than to have everything for nothing — no investment, no risk, no sacrifice.

Truth be told, there are days that even the hardest working among us daydream about Powerball or some other “sweepstakes” like event that involves (metaphorically speaking) bluebirds flying through the windows with bundles of $20’s, $50’s and $100’s…

(Yes, I realize that bluebirds would be able to carry relatively small bundles of currency — stay focused here!)

For a long time, we’ve romanticized a dream that involves no investment, no risk, no sacrifice.

And then there is November 11th.

Veterans Day, in my own opinion (and it is, after all, my blog…) is the third most important holiday on the calendar, after Easter and Christmas.

Everything we have, and will ever have, is because of the men and women who put on a uniform and defend our nation, its principles and our way of life.

Today is a day we thank them, and honor them.  Every day would be a fitting alternative.

Said a bit differently, no veterans, no America.  That’s the fact, Jack.

To my friends and family who have served, you are heroes.  To Captain Carey and Colonel Blake, you are heroes.  To everyone who has stood a post, manned a watch or put themselves either in harm’s way or in a position to be called to do so, you are heroes.

That stapler on the desk?  That company issued pen, paper, cell phone or computer?  That home we go home to each night in that car we drive each day?

None of it matters without them.  The veterans, and those who serve today and in the future.

Thank you, one and all, today and every day.