Salute to our Veterans

[Kavadas]

It's Veteran's Day! Anyways, I'll keep it short and sweet but I'd just like to thank all those veterans out there, past and present, who have had the courage to put on the uniform and I'd also like to remember those we've lost while in the line of duty.

RIP
SPC McDonough, Brian
SGT Frosheiser, William

:patriot:

We also celebrate Armistice Day today which is kind of important to me because I've always felt "The Great War" is oft-overlooked and the soldiers who fought in it under appreciated. My favorite veterans memorial is a tiny little obelisk in Saint Paul that can be found at the end of Summit Avenue in Uptown. It's dedicated to all of the Minnesotan nurses who were killed during WWI. I'll be visiting it tonight after I get back from Fort Snelling.

[Valdin]

Being a Vet is more than a title and Veterans day is more than just another holdiday. Its a day that one can really sit back and look at what they have and think about what it takes to have those rights. I come from a military family and more than one of them has died while in service. Veterans Day has always meant something special to me but more so since I have been in the service.

I have seen people injured and die. My ship was one of the first on site for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Our Helo was bringing men and women out daily that needed medical attention. Kav I cant even begin to understand what you go through on the ground but I have seen what could possibly be the result.

I salute you and all of those others that have served and I mourn those that are not here this day due to their service. We had a ceremony onboard the ship tonight. It was simple but at the same time the words of our Chaplain really hit home.

Again I salute everyone that has served and is still serving. I am honored to serve by your side and I am honored to carry the torch that other Vets once carried.

Non sibi sed patriae
(No Self But Country)