As today ends and I cannot help but think about all of the past, present, and future veterans that our country has and will see I have to be so grateful to the people I know that have and are willing to risk it all to protect our boarders and our freedom.
First of all, my grandfather who has shared many stories with me about his time in France during WWII. He was color blind and back then there were not that many jobs in the military for him, but he did his duty and served all the same. Lost loved ones at home while he was so far away. I love you grandpa and I am proud to share my birthday with you.
My dad, the time that he spent in the military when I was younger changed our family. The months that he was gone during Desert Storm were the hardest I can remember as a kid, and I am so grateful for him and the things that he taught all of us by being willing to go even though it was leaving his wife and 5 children behind while he did it. I love you dad.
My brothers, both of them have now served. The oldest served right out of high school and the example that he set for the rest of us was one that taught me to make a decision, and stand by it. He was more than willing to go and do whatever uncle sam asked him to. You are and always will be one of the biggest role models in my life. I love you more than you know.
And the brother that just entered into what I can only expect will be the hardest year of his life. He arrived at boot camp yesterday, leaving behind in AZ his wife and 2 little boys while he trains to become one of this countries finest. I have always had a special relationship with him, we were more than siblings, we are friends. He was my best friend for a long time, and we have had a lot of similar experiences at different points in our lives. I am so proud of him, not only for being willing, but for fulfilling a dream that he has had as long as I can can remember. He has always talked about joining the military and now he has. It is going to be a long hard road but one worth it in the end I know it will.
And to all of the friends that I have in the Armed Forces, you know who you are. You have all done something that I consider to be so incredibly brave and honorable. I hope that you know how much you are loved and appreciated. This world needs more men and women that are willing to put it all on the line to save the lives of others. I love you all. Thank you for my freedoms.
"For those who fought for it, freedom has a flavor the protected will never know." -Unknown
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