For the brave - who have always kept us free.

Today being Veteran's Day, it was important to me that I post. This morning in church as part of the prelude, the organist played the Navy hymn. I love that hymn and of course it always brings tears to my eyes. I cry when the Star Spangled Banner is sung, or when we are visiting the kids and we happen to see a platoon of soldiers marching by. They represent the very best our nation has to offer - seasoned SGTs yelling out orders, or PVTs calling cadence as they march along - men with their basic training haircuts and women with their hair gathered in a little knot at the nape of their neck. The best of the best. Sons, daughters, husbands, wives and grandchildren - maybe they are the boy or girl next door. Whoever they are, we love them and the pride that fills our hearts does bring a lump to our throat and tears to our eyes.

For those who have served in years past - you are the role models for those who have followed in your footsteps. In the muck of Vietnam, Pork Chop Hill in Korea, WW II's Battle of the Bulge and Iwo Jima; the battles of the German forests in WW I...and so on and so on. Since our nation was born.

Thank you for your sacrifices - your time away from your homes. Your willingness to go into harm's way. And for the ultimate sacrifice you have often had to make.

Let us not forget those who are serving in harm's way today - let us remember them in prayer as they take on the missions they are asked to. Not everyone believes in those missions - but we all believe in YOU.

God bless you all - for you have blessed America.