To the veterans of this great republic, thank you.

Thank you for your service. Thank you for following the calling, whatever branch you chose. You’re all brothers and sisters in arms at the end of the day. Thank you for not running and hiding when the notice came summoning you to our defense. Thank you for your bravery, tenacity, perseverance, and integrity. Thank you for going headlong toward danger while the rest bolt away. Most don’t know the courage you exude in a crisis. Thank you for keeping watch. Thank you for keeping the wolf at bay so I can rest well at night and pursue my dreams in peace, in safety. Thank you for loving your country and those of us residing in it so much, you’d give your last measure so that we may live free and our nation will continue to stand on the principles the founding fathers set forth for us. Thank you for enduring the sacrifices you and your family accept as part of so much more than just a job, it’s a lifestyle, so that we as a nation might not have to sacrifice our time, energy, holidays, vacations, family celebrations, birthdays, anniversaries, and school events in service to a greater cause.

For all that you’ve done and will do, veterans of this great republic, from the bottom of my humbled heart, thank you.