HURRAY FOR THE RED, WHITE, AND BLUE

Next year should really be special--11/11/11. To the veterans, I say thank you for your service to our country. Today is your day. A day many will pause and remember. A day of parades and prayers and memorials.

I've been to Gettysburg. I've walked the cemetery at Normandy. I seen more military museums than I can recall off hand. I've seen World War II planes at airshows and museums from Washington, DC, to Oregon, to New Orleans, to Illinois. I've seen war memorabilia and relics overseas as well.

But I can not imagine what war must have been like. No one who hasn't been there can. The ones left behind. The new friends made and also left behind.

Some returning vets can never get over their war experiences. Some can't because of flashbacks and wicked, vivid dreams. Some re-live every battle. Some adjust. Some come home changed. Some for the better. Some not.

But we're a stronger nation for their sacrifice. For their patriotism. For their devotion.

Thank you seems inadequate, soldiers. Applause, too. But I honor you today and always for doing your duty, for answering the call to arms.