Veterans,
I do not know the sacrifices and fears of service, but do love our young, national experiment very, very deeply – not only *amidst* current political polarization, but in fact, in part, because of it. Veterans have sacrificed and served, regardless of where they fell on political, socioeconomic, and cultural spectra. THAT makes veterans and current service people role models for all of us, at a time when the ideals of unity above differences are fading fast. I wish I had the discipline and courage to serve the mission of respect and freedom – at all costs – like our service people. THEY are the beacons who draw the tired, poor, huddled masses. Perhaps your gleaming example can remind us that yearning to be free means that any lower differences are really subordinate to that freedom. “Thank you for your service,” are only words, but I neither take you for granted, nor forget that I’m in fact free to take you for granted – only because of you.
Neil D. 2026-11-11 Veteran’s Day
