Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.” -G.K. Chesterton

Currently, there are 23.2 million veterans of the United States armed forces. [1]  Today, November 11th, we honor them. Their service has ensured our freedoms and protected our homeland.

I’m sending out an especially heartfelt “salute” to my father, who served in the United States Army in the 1960s. Last Veterans Day on my blog, I posted a picture of my Dad with William Sommerville (SP5). This year, I’m going a little further back to his basic training days at Fort Jackson, South Carolina. I am grateful for your service, Dad!

Dad (back left) in 1965 with two of his comrades-in-arms. Fort Jackson, SC

To all the military men and women who have served our country—and to those who are currently serving—THANK YOU!

The battle, sir, is not to the strong alone; it is to the vigilant, the active, the brave.” —Patrick Henry

[1] U.S. Census Bureau and United States Department of Veterans Affairs