Thursday, November 11, 2010

Don't forget to thank a veteran today

Over the years I've had the privilege of working with many fine veterans, most of them photogs. Occasionally, a few of them even told me war stories that gave me chills.

Recently I worked on a project for the military that dealt with some of the things military people have to deal with out in the field. It was about as frightening as the opening scenes of "Saving Private Ryan."

Over the years this country has been involved in unpopular wars. There was great anger in America during the Vietnam era, and there are plenty of questions regarding our involvement in the middle east today.

Even if you don't support a war, you can support the military. These people put their lives on the line every day. And if you're covering any kind of Veterans Day function, you'll see some of the results. People in wheelchairs and those with missing limbs are obvious victims, but there are plenty of unseen wounds, like post-traumatic stress and broken families.

You can give your life without dying.

It's perfectly appropriate to thank a veteran for his or her service. Not just today, but any day.


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