This is definitely the season to give thanks. Thanks for our family, friends, health, and so many other things. Let us not forget to thank our veterans who have missed being with their family and friends on holidays and birthdays, missing school plays, football games, cheer competitions; have been subjected to freezing in sub-zero and roasting in115ยบ temperatures, exposed to dangerous chemical agents, losing limbs and far too often, losing their lives, so that we may have the right to protest Wall Street and other things we perceive to be wrong in American society. The right to voice my opinion to my legislators without fear of severe punishment and/or death. As a female, I'm thankful for the freedom to go places unescorted if I choose, to wear what I feel to be appropriate, the right to vote, etc. I am also thankful to the families of these men and women - moms / dads, husbands / wives, brothers / and sisters, sons /daughters - who also sacrifice a lot to take care of the day-to-day "homefront" so that the sailor / marine / soldier / airman / guard soldier / reservist can do what they have to do and hopefully return home safely. In earlier times, many men didn't have a choice - they were drafted into the military when their country needed them. Today, (most often very young) men AND women VOLUNTEER to make these sacrifices so that they can "be a part of the solution," and continue to ensure our freedoms. At least, that's what my 19-year-old daughter told me when she enlisted in the US Navy. I have always been proud of our veterans, but now, as my family and I prepare for this year's Thanksgiving feast together, these sacrifices mean even more - she leaves for boot camp 4 days after Thanksgiving.
by Lori Rohre
