As i sit here this morning...a couple days after we have celebrated Veterans Day...and another awesome Memorial service at Veterans Park here in Greeneville...i have so many mixed emotions. First i am thankful for all the men and women that have served this great country both in times of war and in times of peace. Both gave of their time and gave up some amount of their life to go and serve to protect and defend this country of the United States. However...for many there is tragedy that still exists. Today we have 23 million Veterans that are still living. Between 529,000 and 840,000 veterans are homeless at some time during the year. On any given night..more than 300,000 veterans are living on the streets or in shelters in the U.S...and...Everyday...approximately 22 American veterans commit suicide..totaling over 8000 veteran suicides each year...I repeat...8000 veteran suicides each year. Such a tragedy for so many that served to allow us to have and keep the freedoms that we enjoy each and everyday. We also have and estimated 4 million Veterans with service-connected disabilities that range in all sorts of nightmarish life altering circumstances. And i cant start to know the number of veterans that gave their life in combat from all the wars and the Veterans that have passed away over the years from war to peace time to war to peace time. So lets give all our Veterans a big Thank You...both the living and the deceased. And when you see a Veteran that has their uniform hanging in their closet...or...an active duty personal that is currently serving...not just on Veterans day but every day of the year...shake their hand...tell them thank you...and tell them with the respect and love they deserve. Im a Veteran...and yet...every man and woman i see be they active duty in uniform or a just wearing a piece of clothing that acknowledges them as a Veteran...i go out of my way to shake their hand and say thank you...because...As the ole Cliche goes..."Freedom is not Free"!
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
I Have No Regrets About My Past...My Past Is Who I Am Today...Born Again!
Rick j Sane
