Veteran's Day Tribute.

I have grown up with many Veteran's in my life:both my grandfathers, grandfather-in-law, uncles, father-in-law and friends. My father John Stevens is a retired Lt. Colonel in the US Air Force. I have always been proud of that fact. He joined during Vietnam. He wanted to go out there and make a difference in the world. While so many were drafted, and dodged being drafted, he voluntarily joined. He knew the sacrifice he was making but he did it anyway. He believes in freedom and democracy and wanted others to have the same. Unfortunately for him he was never sent over there. He wanted to go so bad. He thought that he was going to get another chance during the first Gulf war but again he was not sent over. He retired from the Air Force in 2001 days before the Sept. 11th attacks on the US. When the US was attacked that horrible day he called up the Air Force and told them that he wanted back in if they needed him. They told him that if they did they would let him know. It reminds me of a great player on a football team wanting to go in the game but the coach  never giving him that chance. Even though my dad never went off to war he is still a veteran. He served  his country during war time, knowing that any day could be the day he said goodbye to his family. I am very thankful for the men and women that sacrifice so much for the things that many of us take for granted everyday. I  think that some people truly don't understand that. I get so angry when people want this country to go in a socialist direction. Socialism is just a watered down version of communism. Since the birth of this GREAT country that is what we have fought against and I feel like all those deaths have been in vain if we don't do something about it. Our founding fathers didn't want that for this country. They wanted this country to be GREAT and show the rest of the world what they  can  be also. If you look around the world at all the countries that are socialist or communist you will see that it isn't quite working out for them. They are in war with themselves or the whole country is bankrupt and dying and the citizens have no freedoms. I just wish people would study history and look at the past and see that it's just not going to work. Sorry I got all political on you. I guess I just needed to let that out. Ok I feel better now. I love you dad and I'm very honored to be your daughter. I am thankful for all the brave men and women that serve this country. No one has made them do it. They sign their life over when they sign on that dotted line, knowing that any day could be their last. I can not think of anyone but Christ himself that has done such a selfless act.  Here is a little poem that is for all veterans. THANK YOU!




The Noble and the Brave:
A Veteran's Day Tribute When America had an urgent need,
These brave ones raised a hand;
No hesitation held them back;
They were proud to take a stand. They left their friends and family;
They gave up normal life;
To serve their country and their God,
They plowed into the strife. They fought for freedom and for peace
On strange and foreign shores;
Some lost new friends; some lost their lives
In long and brutal wars. Other veterans answered a call
To support the ones who fought;
Their country had requirements for
The essential skills they brought. We salute every one of them,
The noble and the brave,
The ones still with us here today,
And those who rest in a grave. So here’s to our country’s heroes;
They’re a cut above the rest;
Let’s give the honor that is due
To our country’s very best. By Joanna Fuchs