A young private dragged a fellow wounded soldier across the battlefield when an enemy’s grenade landed next to the wounded man’s feet. Without hesitation, the young private grabbed the grenade to throw it away, however it exploded before he could. Miraculously, the blast did not kill the men but left the young private with fragments embedded in his face and body.

Even after the explosion he was determined to get his comrade to safety. From a distance, other members of the platoon became inspired, surged forward destroying the enemy defensive line, and delivering them from immediate danger. That is the heart and commitment of a veteran.

Although the author is unknown, the quote is definitely profound, “It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion. It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble. It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trial. It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.”

Our position, our prestige, our power has been etched into the minds of many to a place of unquestioned dominance. We continue to remain the most powerful nation on earth because we still have the ultimate military power to be reckoned with.

Every day that an American soldier straps up his boots, we as a country benefit from the miles that are walked, ran, rode, flown, sailed, and even crawled in those boots. America is only as good as the men and women who proudly wear uniforms.

Our soldiers represent the best of who we are. They never cease to uphold the values and principles that help shape us into a nation.

Although the price was great, veterans were committed in order to shape, protect, and change the course of history. Veterans unselfishly paid by leaving family and friends, suffering radical losses leaving them with life altering emotional and/or physical scars, and others paid with their lives all in the name of freedom. If it was not for the commitment and dedication of our veterans, who knows what powers might have dominated? No doubt, our nation’s history would be totally different without the contribution of our veterans.

In each war, our veterans have changed the course of the future because of their commitment to the cause of freedom, courage, love of our country, and a constitutional self-government. As we celebrate our veterans, we must determine what we’re committed to. What cause or purpose are we willing to risk our lives, give our time, and our finances? In essence, what are we willing to do for the future of our country? So today, thank a veteran for great sacrifice and service for our nation.