Because of the 100 year anniversary of the Armistice, reflections on survival of family members, it’s been an especially emotional Veteran’s Day for me. Coupled with the election wins, where we have beaten back fascism, and Macron’s throw back to the Enlightenment, the emotions are a bit overwhelming.

Something Lt. Cmdr. Dan Crenshaw said on SNL (while Pete Davidson, who was sitting next to him on "Weekend Update," was desperately trying to dig his way out of that enormous hole he dug for himself), "never forget." As in instead of thanking a vet for their service, say "Never forget." It reaches across the barrier that separates civilians from the military, and reminds us that we are all in this together, united.

Personally, when people say "Thank you for your service," I reply in one of two ways. To those who demonstrate a genuine, sincere expression, I say, "The honor was all mine, and I would do it all over again." To those who are just parroting something they don't feel (and all of us vets have encountered these people - they are patronizing at least and insulting at worst), I say, "Don't thank me. Pray for my brothers and sisters who never came home." It has the ability to cut through the BS and remind them that serving has real consequences.

All gave some. Some gave all.

Thanks for being on the board