We call my grandfather's generation "The Greatest Generation," and I think what I admire most is that willingness to do what they had to do. Having lived through the Depression and at least one World War, those folks' sacrifice and willingness to do what was necessary galvanized our nation and played a huge role in bringing about the kind of prosperity we just assume America always had. Now, I know, I know... even our heroes have flaws, and you can always throw up arguments against whatever. I'm not here to talk about whether or not some of these wars should have been fought; I'm here to celebrate the men and women who didn't have a choice in the matter. And they served anyway.

I often wonder how I would have reacted if I had been born two or three generations ago. Would I have had what it takes? My brother sent me this article (http://www.blueridgenow.com/article/20090606/TOPSTORIES/906059898) about my great Uncle Howard from a few months back, and as I read it, I was blown away. Until recently, he didn't talk much about war, and I can vividly remember being 11 or 12 years old and asking him what war was like. "It's horrible," was all he said. So to read this account; well, it's pretty ridiculous.

We sure do make a big deal out of people who get paid to act like other people on shiny silver screens. And we sure do look at U2's million dollar stage production and think, "Now that's something amazing!" But as for me, none of that holds a candle to the sacrifices people have made for our freedoms in the US. I hope my life makes a difference.

So whether I agree with policy or this-side-or-that on some issue, I cannot help but offer my deepest appreciation for our Veterans today. Thanks to my grandfather, my great uncle Howard, my father in law, and all those who did what they had to do.