Picture life as a veteran

They smile at us in the photos we see. They look strapping in their uniforms and appear brave and courageous, but look closer, there’s more to the picture of life as a veteran.

The men and women of our Armed Forces face things on the job and in life most of us never do: fear, long separations from family, difficult – often deadly – working conditions. They embrace moments in life we consider routine: being there for the birth of your child, watching your son pitch his first baseball game, cheering on your daughter at graduation. They cherish things we take for granted; spending holidays with family, working alongside their buddies, coming home from work every night, life, freedom.

The men and women who suit up and ship out to protect our nation’s interests and freedom should not just be respected, they should be admired and appreciated. Admired for stepping up when others don’t, for stepping out where others won’t and appreciated for stepping into the void that separates our freedom from the totalitarian forces that seek to destroy it.

Yes, the men and women who serve in the the U.S. Armed Forces – past and present – should be respected, admired and appreciated every day of the year.

So on this day we say Thank You! As you smile at us from these photographs please know that, though we may not fully comprehend the hardships you face, we know that you face them. Though we may not fully grasp the depth of your personal, physical and spiritual sacrifice, we know you have sacrificed. Though we may not know you personally, we know your character by the stripes, stars and scars that you bear.