To any veterans who are reading this, thank you for your dedication, heart, and service to our country.
I think that most Americans take our veterans for granted, and the wars in which we are currently involved for granted. Everyone goes about living their lives, forgetting that there are men still fighting for our freedom and for the freedom of others. Because of Shane's death and my many conversations with his brave brothers who are still serving our country, I am especially reminded how important today, Veterans Day, is and how we must all express our gratitude to our troops in whatever way possible -- through a prayer, handshake, or a simple moment out of your day to contemplate the life that a solider has and may currently still be living to protect America.
I have many veterans in my family and I am equally proud of all of them. Today, as my family and I plan Shane's funeral arrangements, I will be ever more cognizant of our veterans and eternally grateful for those who answered the call.
"Our thanks to those who answered the call,
Who took up the challenge, and gave their all.
God bless those more brave than me.
So that we can live in this Land of the Free."
