Veterans Essay   By: Sye Dodson

         

            Veterans Day, a very special day for a very special group of men and women.  I feel that Veterans and active military personnel are honored greatly by the men and women across the country.  Veterans are very special because they fought for our country and gave us freedom knowing that their lives were always on the line.  As my grandpa Greg Blackburn said, “We didn’t fight to be heroes we fought so mother, father, sister, brother, friends, and family would get to sleep at night knowing that they would be safe.” 

             Veterans are the backbone of this country. Veterans aren’t only important to our history, but they are also important to our future.  Without them, there would be no United States of America. No Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of happiness. And no way to ensure that our country will continue to be the land of the free it has been known to be.  Veterans have protected our rights as Americans and made the dreams of our founding fathers possible.  War, although awful, is hard to avoid but fortunately, our future veterans will be there to protect our blessed American land and values. 

            Our veterans were afraid as well, but they answered the call of duty and rose up to fight for our nation. Many had to deal with hunger, loss, pain, and agony but still they fought with a purpose, willing to give the ultimate sacrifice. Though some are now old and hurting, suffering from PTSD, or just trying to fit back into society we acknowledge their service and display our gratitude as much as possible.  We should honor them because they are our history, our real-life heroes and our models for the nation.

            Today the military is more heavily engaged in helping others throughout the world. In the past five years, military aircraft have air-dropped food into Ethiopia, helicoptered aid into remote villages in Sudan, rescued flood victims in Bangladesh, and delivered medical teams to hundreds of major and minor disasters. The caring and selfless spirit of our past veterans continues to live on in the hearts of those currently enlisted.  In the mist of all that the military is always helping with everything America needs. 

            So, thank you veterans, past, present and future for your service. You will never be forgotten and we as citizens will forever be obligated to you. Just as you have shaped our history, you will shape our future. Continue to be the few, the strong, and the brave.