Veterans Day

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 - World War One, the war to end all wars, officially ended.  Every November 11th thereafter we celebrated Armistice Day, to honor those that fought and hope for promised peace. Unfortunately that promise of peace did not happen; and two decades after WW1 ended, WW2 was beginning. We have been in a perpetual state of war ever since.
In 1954 Armistice day was changed to Veterans Day, to honor all veterans of the US armed forces. Currently there are over 20 million living veterans in the US. Most volunteered, many were drafted, but all answered the call to service. Each offering to risk their life and sacrifice all in the name of our country. All have repaid their debt to those few thousands that risked it all to create this great nation. All of us owe them our thanks.
So on this day, 100 years after the end of WW1, to all the vets that have ever served - I thank you for your service and willingness to sacrifice. On behalf of myself, my family, and what should be a grateful nation; I salute you. Even those of you, and perhaps especially those of you, that worked for a living.
Unfortunately, our government has not been so appreciative. Promised benefits are frequently not delivered.  Healthcare for vets is often substandard if even available. More and more vets are coming home wounded fighting other countries' civil wars, or used as pawns in flawed foreign policy moves; to a Congress that increasingly gives no thanks beyond empty lip service.
Let us make this centennial celebration different. Let's not just give thanks, but let our elected representatives (few of which have ever served) know that they need to treat vets right. Make good on the promises we made. And perhaps quit misusing and sacrificing them across the globe serving other nations' interests.