A PERSONAL DEBT TO VETERANS

On this Veterans Day I want to express my gratitude for all those who have given years of their lives to our military service, and those who have perished, in the pursuit of preserving freedom and improving the human condition on our soil and around the world. The fact that the United States has an all volunteer army, the best in the world, shows the extent of patriotism and love for country that our military men and women exhibit.

It is no small thing for individuals to put themselves in danger and risk their lives to protect other people. It is no small thing to have your life altered by injury. It is no small thing for families to sacrifice those they love in the cause of protecting the freedom of others. A life lost can never be replaced.

A few years ago we visited the American Cemetery in Normandie, France. As I looked over the thousands of white crosses on acres of green lawn, I contemplated the fact that each one represented a life that was lost - a person, a brother, a husband, a father. Just like MY brother, my husband, and my father. My heart overflowed with gratitude to those laid to rest there. I thanked them for the legacy of freedom that they gave ME, personally.

Freedom is not free. It has come at the cost of many lives. It continues to demand the service and protection of brave people. I hope that we never take them for granted.

THANK YOU to those now in the military and those who have served in the past. Our country is grateful, and I am personally grateful, for you.