as a teenager during the Vietnam war era. My draft lottery number was 51. I would have been required to report for service but I had just started college and got a deferment. As things turned out, the war ended before my deferments ran out and I dodged the bullet, so to speak. But I had and lost a number of friends who served in Vietnam. Those who made it home were often wounded and almost always scarred in some way. At that time, I was too young and immature to fully recognize how much they sacrificed for the rest of us, but not so much that I couldn’t recognize the travesty of a nation that disrespected its veterans.
Thankfully, in the years since, our nation has grown up a bit. We’ve learned to see that even when the politics are questionable, the dedication and love of country demonstrated by our service men and women are above reproach. Because of generations of such service, we enjoy freedoms and opportunities that are truly unique in all of history.
As I’ve talked to friends who served, I’ve seen a tiny glimpse of the horrors they endured. It’s more than I can comprehend. I only know that my heart swells when I consider the sacrifices that they made so that I and all of the rest of us can enjoy the lives and freedoms we have.
My hat is off to all who have served in our country’s military. Tell the veterans you know how much their sacrifice means to you. Give them a hug. Stand up for measures and services to help them heal from their wounds. Let’s make sure they get the honored place in our society that they deserve – because they truly do deserve it.
May we always remember! May we always be grateful!
May God bless our veterans and our nation!
From all of us at Vitality Energy: Thank You!
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