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{I am thankful for all the men and women who put their life on the line everyday to fight for our country.  Freedom is not free and they risk everything so that we can continue to have it.  My prayer is that all of our troops are brought back to the US safely and to their families.  God Bless America.}

Today is not only special because it is the only day in our lifetime that we will see the date 11.11.11, it is also Veteran's Day. Today we salute all those who have fought, continue to fight, and who have fallen so we can be free.  It takes a very courageous individual to put on a United States Military uniform and risk their life so others can continue to enjoy theirs.  Join me today, as I pay a special tribute to those special individuals who have, and those who currently do.

Both of my grandfathers, paternal and maternal, have worn that uniform.  Both fought in World War II. Both have made me proud to be an American.  Both have made me proud to call them my hero.  My paternal grandfather was a part of the United States Army.  He served in Germany, Japan, and many other countries over the course of his lifetime before settling in my hometown.  He and my grandmother both had intriguing stories about their life together and how they raised 4 of their 6 boys in other countries.  My grandmother had exquisite treasures, jewelry and heirlooms from all over the world, and my grandfather had the best stories!  My maternal grandfather was a member of the National Guard Armory.  He too went to war to fight for our country while leaving his family behind.  He served as a First Sergeant for our local Armory in addition to volunteering as a fireman, and is one of the most bravest soldiers I know.

There are many other members in my family that served in the Military {uncles, great uncles, and cousins}, and some still do today.  One of my maternal grandmother's brothers was actually a POW during WWII.  She loves to tell the story of how scared they were when they learned that he was being held hostage, and then how he made it home safely.  She can laugh now when she talks about how he wouldn't eat potatoes for years.  Apparently that was all he was fed while he was a prisoner, and when he returned home, he didn't want to even look at a potato!

I am constantly reminded how lucky we are as Americans to have such brave men and women to fight for our freedom.  We live in the land of the free and the home of the brave, but there is always a price to pay.  I respect and appreciate each and every one of our veterans and current military for paying that price so I can live my life.  I especially thank them today, as we celebrate "their" day!