Wednesday, November 11, 2009

veteran's day

Two years ago this month my father visited Washington DC with several other WWII veterans as part of an operation called Honor Flight. http://www.honorflight.org/ This group organized trips to the capital for veterans to be able to see their memorials and other symbols of what they fought to protect. The send-off from Fargo included a brass band, law enforcement and active military personnel, as well as members of the North Dakota Congressional delegation, along with hundreds of friends and family members.
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Other members of Congress and former members greeted them in Washington, including Senator Bob Dole. They wore Honor Flight windbreakers and carried bags with snacks and bottled water. Wheelchairs were in abundance for anyone needing help getting from the bus to the many monuments they visited.

Mostly they were treated as the heroes they are, given the thanks that may be long overdue. On this Veteran’s Day I would like to thank my Dad, and all veterans who served to protect and defend the American life I too often take for granted. I promise to remember their sacrifice, remember their friends who gave their lives, and remember to be thankful for all those who serve today. May they be brave, and strong, and safe. And may we remember to thank them, and appreciate them, today and everyday.

“We can’t all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by.” Will Rogers

p.s. Happy Birthday to my brother-in-law, Paul. He’s one of us.

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