I thank you Veterans, on this day, for your service to our country.  After living a year in India, I came home very willing to pay taxes. International travel is  a superb teacher. I had become very appreciative of ordinary, everyday things like running water and federal inspection standards for meat. More recent experiences are deepening my gratitude for our national heritage of freedom and safety.

While staying in Antwerp, I was able to tour Flanders fields. I was not successful in locating the tombstone of my husband’s great uncle, but I saw so many nameless markers – the cost of the Great War could not be missed.

In Eastern Europe I had the privilege of talking with some who had lived under both Nazi and Russian occupation.  One poignant conversation took place in Wenceslas Square, the very place where the Russian tanks rolled in and took over Prague.  The woman I spoke with was about my age; she described the impact of that day on her life as a young wife and mother.  Her question for me was about our  9/11.  She expressed her sympathy and condolences and asked about the repercussions in our nation.  I tried to describe the strange combination of sorrow, comfort and pride I experienced at encountering soldiers in our airports shortly thereafter.  I suggested we had lost something, perhaps innocence?  She touched my arm and named our loss – a portion of our liberty.

For this educated and well-traveled woman, it seems the USA had been a sustaining reason for hope during the oppressive years.  She was most indignant that anyone would dare to tarnish our freedom.  Her comments were so heartfelt and my loss so small compared to hers, I will not forget our conversation.  As you might guess, I came away even more thankful for the safety and freedom in which I was able to raise my family here in the USA.  Such liberty is not without cost, and I appreciate the contributions of each and every Veteran. Thank you!