Honoring Our Veterans

"The willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, shall be directly proportional to how they perceive the Veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their nation." - President George Washington

The day begins with gnats biting at their faces while they stand in formation awaiting the days orders. It is in the same early morning light on a hot and humid field they train. The long ruck marches through a lifting fog only to be met by a blistering sun.

These are the men and women who train and prepare 
while we make our morning coffee.

As rush hour traffic frustrates our commute, two or more hours have already passed for military personnel. In fact, the military never sleeps in protecting our ability to wave a flag, argue left or right and dance our nights away.

I have known many who served their country. Some were once young while others are still young in the eyes of aging men.

All of them are proud and brave.

Their names are not in the great books and movies we each have read or watched. There are no statues bearing their likeness in the town square nor portraits upon the walls of government buildings.

Yet each one remains as brave and heroic as any medal given.

Each served during time of war.

Each I respect and admire.

Each are heroes.

Ralph Gale - World War I

Lawrence Primm - World War II

Paul Schmidt - World War II

Arnold Gale - World War II / Korean War

Gerald Primm - Vietnam War

John Primm - Vietnam War

Roy Carter - Vietnam War

Joseph Schmidt - Gulf War I

Daniel Primm- Iraq

There are many other Veterans whom I could name; friends, friends of friends, men and women I admire. To do so would take days upon days to honor each and every one of them. Many served during times of conflict and during times of peace. Each placed their lives into service of others.

And many more who gave their life in defense,
honor and service to our country.

Today we honor those who train in the early morning fog. We honor those who protect our freedoms and have sacrificed so that others may live in freedom. On this day we honor all veterans.

Thank you brave and gallant warriors.

Thank you for each and every moment given.

Stay inspired my friends!