Thank a Veteran on Veteran's Day

My grandfather Clinton, c 1918 in France.  His notation at the bottom reads "Full War Paint"

When I was just a boy, I was taught by my parents how important it was to do my duty serving in the armed forces.  My dad had served during WWII as a soldier in north Africa. 


My Grandfather Clinton, c 1970---a Proud Veteran

My Dad Took These Pictures of the Great Pyramids and the Sphinx When He Served in North Africa

My grandfather had served in the AEF in France in WWI. 

My Mom and Dad, c 1943.  He Served in North Africa in WWII

So, it was a foregone conclusion that I, too, would be a part of my family's tradition by serving in the army when I came of age.

Me, a Furman University ROTC Cadet Before Graduation in 1966

In college, I enrolled in ROTC, and when I graduated, I was commissioned as a 2nd LT. in the US Army.  I got orders to go to Vietnam on two occasions, but those orders were rescinded, and I ended up serving two years in the states in a unit that was trained in riot control.  I can't say it was a lot of fun, but it was a necessary job because of all the unrest within our country because of our involvement in Vietnam.

My Unit, The Sixth Armored Cavalry Regiment Out of Ft Meade, MD, Imposes Martial Law in Washington, DC

I'm proud of my service to my country.  Yes, it can be dangerous.  Yes, it requires a good bit of discomfort.  Yes, service in the armed forces means there will be a delay in one's life regarding one's career.  But, I have found as I look back on my life that it was an important formative experience that helped me in many ways as I progressed further into adulthood.

The Center of the DC Riots---Fourteenth Street

We in the United States and other western countries enjoy freedoms that in large part were purchased with the blood of those who stood up and defended them.  Approximately 1,200,000 American fighting men and women have been killed in defense of our freedoms.  Hundreds of thousands more have suffered non-lethal casualties.

Please take time today to say "thanks" to our veterans!  Take time, too, to reflect on our nation and give thanks to God for all that we have.