On this Veterans' Day 2017, I say to all men and women who have served our United States as soldiers and workers in our armed forces, Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard. . .
Thank You.
Since you have served us, at risk of life and limb, and then lived to tell about it, please know that we are glad you made it through your dutiful missions, still alive and kicking.
We consider it a good thing that your name is not carved into this wall.
But we also consider it good that your service is recorded in the annals of our history. You were recruited to defend our freedoms. You answered the summons that many of us resisted. You did your duty. In so doing, you defended also the freedom of many people throughout our troubled world. Thanks for your courage in doing that.
Sometimes we prevailed in our immediate mission; sometimes we did not. Nevertheless, our collective mission as defenders and exemplaries of liberty remains intact because of what you have done.
And are still doing.
Especially all you Vietnam Veterans. You chose, or were compelled to, defend us and our way of life while so many of us were lollygagging around in the blood-bought liberty that you have assured us.
Especially to all you Vietnam Veterans, I offer to you the greeting that my friend, Jim Shoemake, himself a Vietnam Vet, tells me is the most precious message of all:
Welcome home!
Keep up the good work.
King of Soul
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