The 11th Day of the 11th Month

Veterans Day falls on the anniversary of the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I -- the 11th hour of the 1th day of the 11th month in 1918. It is a day to remember the sacrifices of those in the armed services have made to defend our country.

I have heard war stories, and can't imagine the horrific circumstances that so many have had to fight through. Can you? The green clouds of gas coming for you in the trenches during World War I. The blinding artillery as you disembark from a gunship in Normandy, or the torturous Bataan death march during World War II. The hard-fought and ultimately successful battle of Inchon in Korea, or the frustration and horror of Ia Drang in Vietnam. The horror of a barracks bombing in Beirut. The exhilaration of Desert Storm, the current wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the capture of Sadaam Hussein.

Our American forces stand strong, fighting to defend our country and liberate others. Individual soldiers can pay a terrible price for our freedom: loss of limbs, loss of peace of mind, loss of friends, loss of family through divorce, loss of life.

Veterans, today is your day, when we honor you especially. In schools throughout the country, veterans visit to talk about the war, and the sacrifice, and the important ideals that they defend in the line of duty. Thank you, Veterans, of war and peacetime, for your service to our counry.