A Thank You to my Dad, on Veterans Day

This is a picture of that young man, he is just not so young in this picture.

Many years ago, there was a young boy fresh out of high school, just a year into his college career who was drafted. A young man that had only traveled between two places, Louisiana and Texas. A young man who didn't have much in the way of opportunities or money. A young man who would not flee when he was summoned to duty. A young man who was scared about what was to come in a far away place that was nearly 9,000 miles from anything he had ever known. A young man plucked from oblivion and flown to a scary and war torn country.

That young man was my dad.

Today dad, I salute you, and I thank you for your service in the military. I can't imagine the emotions, adrenaline, or fear that you experienced when your number was called. I can't imagine what it was like to be taken from your home, from everything you had even known, and shipped across the world to fight.

You never talked much about your time in the war, and I understand why. Much like the men and women today, you came home with scars, and I am sure the mental scars ran deeper than any of the physical. By the grace of God, you survived, came home, went to work, met mom, had a couple of kids, and built a life for yourself. You gave so much, and asked so little in return.

Thank you for being brave and for fighting for our freedom. Thank you for serving your country.
And, if there are any veterans out there who read this little blog, thank you from the bottom of my heart.  I am in awe of you and I am grateful for your courage and strength.

Happy Veterans day.