Thoughts for Veteran's Day

I had to run a few errands today, and one of them took me to the post office. Of course it was closed when I got there, but until I was there I had forgotten why it would be closed today - Veteran's Day. I had noticed that it was coming up a few days ago, and thought that I needed to remember to call my dad, but until I got to the closed post office, it had completely slipped my mind that today was Veteran's Day. Then I took the kids to the grocery store after I picked Sam up from school. Right as you walk in they have a huge cupcake/cake there for anyone to have that says, "Thank you Veterans!" Sam asked me what it said and when I told her, she then asked, "Mom, why do we need to thank the Veterans? Who are the Veterans?" After I answered her, I thought a lot about it as I was going through my grocery shopping, and thought how important it is that we do take some time to remember those service men and women who have served our country in so many ways. Although not all those who have served in the military have had to serve during a war, thankfully, each and every one of them deserves our respect and gratitude for the sacrifice they make each day, as they fill a duty that so many are unwilling to share.
My family has a rich military heritage. My father is a retired Colonel in the US Army, my brother is a Sargent in the Army, currently serving in Afghanistan, both my grandfathers fought in WWII, my great grandfather fought in WWI, and one of my uncles served in the Vietnam War. This list could go on and on, not to mention many of my friends and their families who also serve, or have loved ones serving in the military. My point is, we all have similar lists. Not one of us does not have a tie to the military in some form or another, and those ties should make us proud, not only of our loved ones, but of our country as well, and the freedoms and rights that make it great. It is to those freedoms and rights of this great nation that these men and women devote their lives to protecting. No matter your opinion on the current war, or past wars, these men and women deserve to be honored and given our gratitude for not only their large sacrifices, but for their day to day service as well.
I am extremely proud of my military heritage, and for the bravery and courage my family has shown in service to their country. I am the woman I am today in large part because of my father's military service. Were it not for his choice to serve and honor his call of duty, this army brat would not have had the tremendous opportunities or desires that have so wholly shaped my life. So, thank you, Dad! Thank you, Donny! Thank you to all of you who are serving our country and making my world a better, safer place. Thank you for your sacrifices; the sacrifice of your time, your family, and sometimes even your lives, as you uphold your duty and protect what I hold most dear. You are all American Heroes!

My Father, Retired Col. Donald O. Bills
currently teaching ROTC to the next generation of Heroes

My Brother, SGT Donald O. Bills Jr.
currently serving in Afghanistan

My Grandfather, Walter Rudolph Bills
served as a pilot during WWII

My Grandfather, Ralph Mason Gerrard
served in the navy during WWII

My Great Grandfather, William Smith Gerrard
served as an infantryman during WWI