[Westark-list] Happy Veteran's Day

[Ed Adams]

Hello, all -- this is something that Andy wrote recently in a spare moment.  I thought it would be nice to share it with you for Veteran's Day.  Feel free to share it with someone you know.

Shannon



WHY DO I SERVE

I have been a National Guardsman for over twenty years and have never second guessed that day so long ago when I raised my right hand to defend the constitution from all enemies foreign and domestic.  During those years I have been mobilized to fight forest fires, floods, protect the city of Los Angeles during the riots, and be ready to protect our nation's borders at a moments notice.  It is why I volunteered, simply to serve.

During those many years, I have been often asked if it was worth missing so many weekends and nights away from my family.  I have missed every Father's Day and countless "Fun with Son" camping trips because I choose to serve.  This question takes on new significance now that I have a new daughter, born this past Memorial Day, waiting to meet her father.  But the answer is still the same; I serve for my family, my loved ones, my friends.  I serve for those that cannot, but want to.  I serve for those that won't and should be free to exercise that right.  I serve because the men and women serving with me make me so proud that tears well up at what they sacrifice for us all.  I serve and give my very best for those that have been wounded or died, because they deserve the very best.  I serve to honor those that have carried our proud colors into past battles remembered.

Some soldiers serve by conducting combat patrols every day, seven days per week, for 365 days straight.  Other soldiers are mechanics, clerk typists, radio operators, tower guards, or simply cooks.  Every job is important.  Every job helps keep America free.  Each and every one of these soldiers honors me with their service for my family.  I see some soldiers that have hardened and appear immune to fear while others search deep inside themselves to conquer fear every time they leave the safety of their base.  But in both I see an American Hero because they are here.

I shed a tear for those that died and another for those that have been hurt.  But don't be sad that they are no longer with us because you honor America best by being strong.  Duty calls so we can water the Tree of Liberty with the blood of our servicemen and women and the tears of the loved ones.  On this day that we remember heroes called veterans, be proud because they heeded the call to Duty.


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