Today is for the brave men and women who have fought for the red, white and blue and for me and for you.

In my lifetime I have had the honor of knowing many incredible people.

Famous, average, intelligent, gregarious, affable and humorous types that have filled my life with joy and laughter. Loving, warm and caring folks who have shared with me their homes and hearts and made me feel like I belonged. Near and far, my acquaintances with these people have, for the most part, cushioned my very existence and given me a far-better life than I could have ever hoped for.

But today is not about them.

No, today is about the nameless, faceless heroes who have done far more for me, for far less gratitude or recognition. The plethora of warriors, some young, some old, women and men, who have put their own safety aside so that they could ensure my own. Today is about those, who in the face of danger and sometimes even certain death, have guarded their posts and held their ground in lands far, far away so that here, on this land, I could enjoy the simple freedoms that I take for granted everyday.

Today is about soldiers. Today is about heroes.

Today is about Veterans.

Thousands of patriots who have shown courage under fire and bravery when you and I would have turned and ran. A multitude of our brothers and sisters, fathers and mothers, who serve, not for glory or accolades, but because of their incredible sense of honor. Because of their unwavering sense of duty. Because they understand that their sacrifice is necessary for the good of the many. They who have faced the faceless enemy, unflinchingly on the battlegrounds because they were fighting for a greater good and the well-being of people like you and I.

I cannot pretend to know that kind of courage. I cannot claim to fathom that type of selflessness. I can only stand in awe and respect for those men and women who toiled when the time came for heroes to come forth. Who have, time and time again, proven that there are still those who are willing to face the fire regardless of peril so that we might all enjoy the fruits of freedom.

Today is for them.

For those who did not know the luxury of dying in a blaze of glory, but rather, knew the pain of being wounded in battle. For those who cannot forget the sounds and sights and smells of violence and death and destruction. For those who leave whole and come back halved by the horrors of war. For those who lose limbs and time and and bear scars that run deeper than any piece of flesh. For those who will never forget the moments of bloodshed or the stench of deceased friends and foes.

For the heroes. For the soldiers. For the troops.

Today is for them and today we honor them.

Today is a reminder that when the dust settled, when the rockets red glare faded, when the bombs stop bursting in air, that these selfless, brave heroes were STILL THERE.

Survivors. Warriors.

Veterans.

Let us not forget them, nor what they fought so hard to protect for it is their sacrifice that has guaranteed our survival.

Today, let us commemorate them for doing the thankless jobs and tasks.

May God bless our fine country and may he bless those who stand up for her and fight for us.

Thank you, soldier.

Thank you.

-goobs