Letters To The Editor

From: Peter Stiglich, Colonel, USAF, Retired

Dare I Say

Thank You America

Veterans Day is observed annually on November 11th of each year. This year it falls on a

Tuesday.

The federal holiday honors all U.S. military veterans—those who served in wartime or peacetime, living or deceased. The date commemorates the armistice that ended World War I, which took effect November 11, 1918.

Personally, I served proudly in the U.S. Air Force for 26 wonderful years. I was a volunteer. No one forced me to go. It was something I really wanted to do.

My time in the military afforded me many opportunities to learn and grow. A chance to travel, to hone my leadership skills, to make new friends…all the while making a contribution to the defense of our great Nation.

Hardly a day now goes by without some kind stranger offering their thanks for my service to the country.

While such expressions of gratitude are always appreciated, I often feel like it is I who should be thanking the American citizen for the honor and privilege of serving.

Thank you, America, for providing your warriors with the best, most lethal weaponry available.

Thank you, America, for holding down the fort while our military members are deployed away from home.

Thank you, America, for looking after our families and caring for their needs while we’re deployed. And …

Thank you, America, for building a Nation most worthy of our ultimate sacrifice.

Dare I Say, Thank You America!