I want to send out a salute to all our war veteran’s today. My birth father, who I’ve never met, was a Marine at the time of the Korean War. I don’t know what role he served or if he ever fought for our country, but he gave me life.

My adopted father was a WWII medic, but never discussed with me any of his experiences. After my adoption, he was supposedly also called to duty in Korea, but never had to report. His father, my grandfather, was a WWI vet, along with my mother’s father. All three of these great men were an important part of my upbringing, taking me into their family as if I was one of their own.

High school classmates of mine served and died in Vietnam. Sons and daughters of my friends fought in Afghanistan, and distant relatives of my mother date back to the Revolutionary War, the foundation of our country’s freedom. This past year I’ve visited the dead at Normandy, walked on the D-Day beaches, read numerous books on Revolutionary and Civil War history, and watched countless hours of documentaries on the heroes who fought for me and you.

For everyone who served our country, there were wives, mothers, spouses, children, and partners who were left behind, worrying about their safe return. So many made personal sacrifices to the cause, and worked hard to keep our homeland secure.  My son, who was also spared from life as a soldier, is spending his day serving free meals to veteran’s at his restaurant.

I was fortunate to have lived in times when wars were fought in distant lands. I was either too young or too old to matter, but have always tried to imagine how life would have been in times of war, or as part of the battlefield. I guess I’ll never know how I would have reacted to the fear, uncertainty, and horror of bombs, gunfire, and casualties. Sincere thanks to those who sacrificed relationships, incurred injuries, and even gave their lives, so that I can enjoy a comfortable life of retirement.

Thank You for Your Service.