Veterans' Day

I detest war.  This human race has gone to war over the silliest of things at times in its history and the devastation that's left in war's wake, both in the short and the long term, can regularly make us wonder what we were thinking.

But, I have not and will never detest the soldiers who fight those wars.  They served our country when it called for them to be there.  Sometimes stationed stateside, sometimes stationed elsewhere.  Sometimes in combat, sometimes in waiting, sometimes in support of those further up the line.  But, ultimately, they served US.  They were there for those left behind waiting for their return and for our way of life, as imperfect as it may be or seem.

You can wonder why we got involved in the world wars and in the world's wars after those.  You can question and protest our involvement in any and all conflicts in which our country has become involved.  But, never EVER question or protest the ones sent to war.  Our presently serving military and our veterans have shown loyalty, honor and a sense of duty that should never be denied, downplayed, or insulted.  With or without medals, with or without visible or silent scars, they are all heroes.

To W. Dale Swartzmiller, my grandfather who served in the U.S. Navy during World War I,
To James Swartzmiller, my father who served in the U.S. Army during World War II,
To Shawn Swartzmiller, my brother who served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War,
To Ethan Swartzmiller, my nephew who served in the U.S. Marines during the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East,

and to all veterans of all the military branches of all wars and conflicts, a huge thank you from little ole me.