Hats off to our Vets

Veterans that is. Tomorrow, I will take my son to the War Memorial, where they are hosting a ceremony for our nation's veterans. I want him to understand what it is that his brother is fighting for in Iraq. What his Grandfather stood for as an Air Force veteran. What my own Grandfather stood for serving in the Armed Forces. He will wear his Marine cammies and lid, proudly for his brother. He will hold a small American flag, waving it proudly, like every other little boy there. But what will he truly understand? Will he understand the cost of freedom? Probably not - yet. What he does understand is that his brother is a Marine. That he is in a war. But at almost six years old, he has yet to understand what war means.

When Philip called a few days ago, his voice was sullen and far away. He didn't talk about coming home, or howhe misses his family. He is now in a different state of mind. He is seeing death, being shot at. He is living war. Daily. There is nothing we can do for our Philip but pray for him. Pray that he will live. Pray that he will mentally make it through the stressful acts of war he must suffer daily. Pray he comes home whole. He is seeing more today than someone his age sees in these gang wars on the streets. For those wars, are over drugs, and property, stupidity.

For those that live through either of these wars; how are they changed? Are they different in their walk? Does the survivor of the gang shooting, see the stupidity of his ways, and seek change? When our young men and women come home, do they seek change?

Tomorrow is your chance to ask them. Honor them. Salute them. Whether you are for or against the current war, doesn't matter - there are men and women; somebodys husband, wife, father, mother, brother, sister, aunt, uncle, friend - over there, fighting for your freedom. Whether you choose to recognize this or not. Support it or not. They are still there. To show your support, seek a parade or memorial event. Honor a Vet tomorrow. Freedom is never free.

If you'd like to send a care package to a soldier overseas, call 1-800-610-8734, the US Post Office will send you free shipping boxes and packaging tape, to send to a soldier. Call your nearest recruiting office to get an address of a soldier who needs a package. If you'd like Philip's address, contact my email address, and I will gladly give it to you. Write letters of appreciation, have children colors pictures, send Christmas cards. Most of all, let them know you care.

Take your kids to a Veterans Day Parade tomorrow. Thank a Vet. Let them know they really are important to our country.