Hello America,

IT’S ABOUT LIBERTY:

Liberty is defined as, “the state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions imposed by authority on one's way of life, behavior, or political views.”

Yesterday, thousands of people gathered in various places throughout our country to scream at the sky to mark the anniversary of Donald Trump’s election.  You may find such a thing silly and laughable. But, imagine if a group attempted something like this in North Korea.  I doubt anyone would be laughing.  But that’s the difference in America.  Liberty.

Do you stand for the Anthem or do you support those who kneel?

Did you want Hillary for president or did your team win?

Do you support the 2^nd amendment or do you feel we need to do something more to prevent gun violence?

Regardless of how you may have answered those questions, recognize the freedom you have to do so, to have an opinion and express it freely.  I encourage all of us to find our opinions, to stand firm in what we believe.  Let’s defend our beliefs from a position of strength, with real facts and heartfelt conviction, not from weakness that too often manifests itself in anger and personal criticisms.  Debate is good. Unfortunately, debate often leaves the arena of ideas and turns into a cage fight. 

May we all be thankful for our country and the liberty she provides.  Forgive her of past sins and let’s work together to strengthen her present weaknesses.  America is not perfect, but she is worth loving.

A LITTLE HISTORY:

World War 1, known at the time as “The Great War” officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919.  However, fighting had ceased seven months earlier when an armistice (a temporary stop of hostilities between the Allied forces and Germany) went into effect on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

 Veterans day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans—living or dead—but especially gives thanks to living veterans who served their country honorably during war or peacetime.

VETERANS TODAY:

The military men and women who serve and protect the U.S. come from all walks of life; they are parents, children, grandparents, friends, neighbors and coworkers, and are an important part of their communities. Here are some facts about the veteran population of the United States:

• 16.1 million living veterans served during at least one war.
• 5.2 million veterans served in peacetime.
• 2 million veterans are women.
• 7 million veterans served during the Vietnam War.
• 2 million veterans served during the Korean War
• 5.5 million veterans served during the Persian Gulf War

To all of those who have served our country and to those of you still in service,

Thank you.