When Thanks Isn't Enough

I was reading a blog and it reminded me that today is Veterans Day. I usually associate this day with my Aunt Emily's birthday because until fairly recently I didn't know too many Veterans except both my uncles who fought in WWII; one in Normandy, one in the Pacific.
As I was thinking about what to write here, I first did a search for a picture to include here and this is the one that caught my eye, and epitomizes what I believe to be a true veteran. To me, this picture says, I love my country, I'd do it all over again if I had to, and hey, I can still fit into my uniform!

Last night as I was watching the local news. They did a story about a local man that just passed away that was a seven-year POW in Vietnam. They showed an interview they did with him a few years ago, and that was the first time he had spoken about his time in Vietnam. I was amazed at the emotional control he had while telling his story and that he doesn't consider himself a hero. The question that finally broke through the emotional barrier was what was his reaction upon seeing the American Flag for the first time upon returning. That's when the emotion finally showed. That's when he said "it was all worth it."

My uncles have passed on, but now it seems I have quite a few new veterans in my life. You can find them here, here and here. Thanks guys!