Thank You, Veterans!

Today isn't Veteran's Day; yet, the schools are celebrating with a holiday here. I would have thought that Monday would have been the day to celebrate, however, the important thing is that we stop and remember all the veterans who have served or are serving our country. I know my husband is a 21-year-veteran and a thank you always made him feel especially proud; you see, he loves this country and what it stands for and, he thinks that every American should feel the same. Although we don't always agree with the way things are going: the laws, the politics, the fussing over various practices, we should all agree that America is a wonderful place to live, a place of freedoms that other countries don't have. I wonder why we don't cherish these rights as we should. While living in an underdeveloped country, I longingly missed many of the privileges of being in the states. For example, during the coup of 1968, we weren't allowed to even leave our apartment for fear of being shot. The radio station nearby was blown up; the guardia nationale were aiming rifles between our eyes and the heads of our children; a neighbor was brutally beaten near the university; we had to depend on neighbors to sneak us food! When we were finally able to leave the apartment, our car was searched while the guards held their guns on each of us. On top of all the buildings, armed guards were stationed.

We had 2 young children when we were transferred to Panama; then our two youngest were born there. There were many, many things I loved about the country, especially after we were able to move out of the Panama City and onto the safer military base. We continued to have problems with theft, etc; yet, we didn't have to worry about being hurt unless we cornered them. Unfortunately, the crime rate here seems to be worse and people here are more apt to hurt you. I wish it were not so and I wish there was some way to stop this awful crime in America.

I can't help it; I love the USA; I love my freedom of speech, but especially my freedom of religion. If you love these things, take time to thank a veteran this weekend. They gave their time of service for you, too.