Veterans' Day

Have you thanked a Veteran lately? I admit that I often take for granted all the freedoms that I have. Simple things - such as writing this blog - saying just what is on my mind. Oh yes, I know that to be in good taste I need to "self" censor, but I can write about my freedoms without the fear that someone else will step in. Just last week I was able to vote for the man who will lead our nation and I was able to have a voice in the policies that will affect my state in the future. No blood was shed in this process. My voice was heard. In some instances, my views fell with the majority and in some, my views fell short. The important thing was that I had the chance to speak. There are not many places in the world where others can say this. I work in a "public" school. The doors are open to all who live within our boundaries. The education is there for the "picking!" This is a freedom! In just a few weeks, I will celebrate a holiday important in my religion. No one will stop me. This is a freedom!

I guess my ramblings lead to this: all of these freedoms are thanks to a Veteran. I did not have to fight because they did. Today, I took time to remember this. My favorite radio station played the Star Spangled Banner. It took me by surprise; it took my breath away; I cried.