Each year on November 11th we remember and honor all those American Veterans who have served our country in the past. We remember the sacrifices they made to preserve and protect our country in times of peace and in times of war. We honor those who have given their lives as the price for our freedom, and those who have returned home disabled and immobilized as the price for our liberty. To these men and women we owe our tributes, our respect and our gratitude.

Veteran's Day is also a day to remember and honor the American men and women who are serving our country today. These are men and women who at times have had to trade their family duties for their country duty, and who are willing and ready to leave their homes and country at any time in order to serve and protect our nation. To these men and women we owe our appreciation, our thankfulness, and most of all, our prayers.

I received an e-mail from a special friend of mine; a young woman who is now serving our country. In referencing the USS Cole, her few words say a lot about the sacrifices these many brave people make:

"How many of us have friends, family, acquaintances, e-mail buddies, etc. out "there" not fighting a war?  I hope that this might make us all stop and think of the many, many military members who do more than just put on a uniform everyday for the freedom we all enjoy but so very often take for granted."

Gina M. Hastings
TSgt, KSANG

Gina also sent me this e-mail and gave me permission to use it here:

"This is a note that I sent and still send to my Uncle every year during this time.  I wonder how many other "uncles" there are that don't get acknowledged each Veteran's Day!  I guess I just want all the Veterans to know that there is a niece out here who appreciates all of the many sacrifices they made for ME!!!

"Uncle Bob, I have, for many years wanted to let you know that I know how much you gave up to keep our freedom alive. I've listened to you, and Uncle Chuck many times, and I hate the fact that it is "the hidden topic"!  It's not a pretty story but it is something our entire family should be extremely proud of. I hope you know when I speak of you it is with the utmost of pride and admiration!!!  I want you to know that I honor you every single day as a veteran!!!  And, I am especially proud that you thought that I was honorable enough to help me enter into the eliteness of the Veteran ranks! THANK YOU!

I'm not sure why I felt the need to send this to you, but maybe there is another "uncle" out there who needs to be told "THANK YOU" for all he/she has given up to keep our Red, White, and Blue waving free!!!"

Gina

Freedom is not free; the price is very high. We pay for it with the lives of our brave men and women who serve serve our country for the sake of freedom. Some of these honored  citizens are able to receive the rewards for the sacrifices they made, while others are not. These are the ones who are either left behind or returned home to become an honorable memory for the price they paid for our freedom.

This page is dedicated to every uncle and aunt, brother and sister, father and mother, and son and daughter who has served America in the past, who are serving America now, and who will serve America in the future. God bless each and every one of you, and THANK YOU!

~ StinaLisa ~

"The Demonstration"

 "We Remember"