I extend a big, hearty THANK YOU to all of our veterans.
I want to extend special thanks to two groups - our Vietnam vets and vets who served after the draft was discontinued.
The way our Vietnam vets were treated when they returned from service was a black mark in our societal history. They deserved better for doing work that was not always of their choosing but that the government drafted them into. So many returned home with wounds, visible and invisible, that last a lifetime. To face so much rejection when coming home must have been devastating.
To those who served after the draft ended, your service was by your choice. It takes a special person to willingly take on the challenges, hazards and risks to serve your country both at home and on foreign soil. We have learned a lot since Vietnam, and society is now more appreciative of our service members. The signs are everywhere. At the airport, people waiting for their loved ones spontaneously applaud or shout out thank yous to folks in uniform. At The Rent Friday night on military appreciation day, I saw lots of folks reaching out to give a pat on the back or shake the hand of those in uniform and say "thank you for your service". Even those who are strongly against our foreign wars now understand it should not be taken out on the service members, and can appreciate the sacrifices our service members make to serve their country, even if it is in a cause they do not personally believe in.
God bless every one of our vets for your courage, dedication and service to your country.
