[GERALDINE]

Originally Posted by TomW

Thank You Veterans!!
So.......what is a Veteran?
A veteran - whether active duty, retired, or national guard or reserve is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to "The United States of America", for an amount of "up to and including my life", and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand that.
It is the VETERAN, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the VETERAN, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the VETERAN, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the VETERAN, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the VETERAN, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial.
It is the VETERAN, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is the VETERAN, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag,
Thanks to all of you, men and women, who have served our country. Your sacrifices will be long remembered and are definitely appreciated today.

BEAUTIFUL sentiment Tom. I've read this before...but it never hurts to read it again and again and to keep these words going forth. Freedom is definitely NOT "Free" and we all need to remember that. Not just today...but EVERY day!!