Thank You for Your Service

In the United States today we pause to honor those who stepped forward to protect the freedoms that we cherish and, far too frequently, take for granted. It is Veterans Day, a day in which we honor all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.

Iconic images, like the flag being raised at Iwo Jima in World War II, make it easy to remember the more 'spectacular' efforts that were made to preserve our freedoms. What we cannot do is forget those who weren't in those 'spectacular' moments. Every veteran, regardless of where and how they served, deserves a heartfelt 'Thank you for your service.' It is the contribution of every single member of the military that leads to those heroic moments that we all remember.

Earlier today, I watched a clip of a Marine, Kyle Carpenter, talking with David Letterman about his experiences in Iraq that led to him becoming a Medal of Honor recipient. He spoke with reverence of his fellow marines and his team, and the people they were defending and those they were trying to help. It was not about him. Watch it please:

I am in awe of him and all those who have served. I'm looking forward to reading this book as well:

We cannot forget the service and sacrifice of all those who have served. We live in a time where the survival rate for those injured in action is incredibly high. Sadly, too many are being forgotten once they get home. That's an injustice that can be prevented. Check out what the Wounded Warrior Project is doing to make sure our veterans are not forgotten. As their motto states:

The greatest casualty is being forgotten

May we never forget and may we always say, "Thank you for your service."