I heard something that bothered me today. On one of the stations, I believe WABC out of New York, they said turn-out for the Veteran's Day parades today was light. I guess it bothers me because we are in the midst of a war that effects us even more than WWII. This is a war that must be fought. Our soldiers are dying on a daily basis and few people have the inclination to pay respects to those who've served? The "Greatest Generation" is getting older and passing on in greater numbers. Couldn't people have taken a few minutes and paid them the respect they so richly deserve?

Getting back to the current war, I wish I could pass on the knowledge to non-military folks what it means to serve. This may sound simple and possibly corny, but to serve your country means to give back to your country and protect the rights we cherish. The good men and women currently on the front lines of the War on Terror know they have a job to do. Sure there are troops stationed in Afghanistan or Iraq who joined for the GI Bill and never envisioned they'd be in the situation they are. But, the majority took the oath with the full understanding of what could happen in the world and although they may bitch and complain, they suck it up and do their job in a highly professional manner. By the way, they old saying is "a bitching sailor is a happy sailor".

I am proud to say I served this great nation. Every vet I saw today, I wished him a happy Veterans Day. They all gave the knowing look of someone who has been there and wished me the same. The only non-vet who acknowledged that today was a day of gratitude and remembrance was a person whose Dad was a career Marine. She understood what this day means.

Where am I going with this? Hell, I don't really know. Maybe all I wish to say is do something to thank a vet. It could be what my kids did today. They drew a picture for our neighbor Ed. Ed beat the Germans all the way across Europe. I once told Ed he was a hero, he said "I'm not a hero, I served with heroes". He doesn't need parades, he needs someone to just say "thank you" and show appreciation for his sacrifice.

One last thing to keep in mind, Soldiers and Sailors, both current or former, served for many reasons. Perhaps it was for college money, or to escape a tough neighborhood. Maybe it was for adventure, or maybe they just had no other options. Whatever the reason, once they made it through boot camp and received orders, they knew. They knew they were part of an elite club that was perhaps unexplainable to non-military folks but was a strong feeling just the same. They were part of a club that exudes PRIDE.