(Click the flag to check out the official U.S. Veterans' Day website.)
I remember the first time I heard this classic song by Lee Greenwood, Proud to be An American (hear one rendition with a pictorial tribute to soldiers on YouTube, HERE). I was a young sailor, standing on a dock in Norfolk, Virginia, waiting for the USS Shenandoah to dock after a six month Med cruise. Listening to words brought tears to my eyes.
(Can you spot me? Bottom row, 2nd from the right!)
Each time I've heard it since, the tears still come. I am proud to be an American. I'm fiercely patriotic and so very grateful for those who've gone before to secure my beliefs and liberties . . . for centuries, American men and women have sacrificed so very much defending this country.
I am proud to be an American. And I won't forget the men [and women] who died, who gave that right to me. My heartfelt thanks to those who have served in the past and those who are currently serving our country, as well as their families. May God bless them.
I will spend this Veteran's Day seeking those who've served, and expressing my gratitude.
:)
