“Throughout our history, America has been protected by patriots who cherished liberty and made great sacrifices to advance the cause of freedom. The brave members of the United States Armed Forces have answered the call to serve our Nation, ready to give all for their country. On Veterans Day, we honor these extraordinary Americans for their service and sacrifice, and we pay tribute to the legacy of freedom and peace that they have given our great Nation.”
“Veterans Day is dedicated to the extraordinary Americans who protected our freedom in years past, and to those who protect it today. They represent the very best of our Nation. Every Soldier, Sailor, Airman, Marine, and Coast Guardsman has earned the lasting gratitude of the American people, and their service and sacrifice will be remembered forever. In the words of Abraham Lincoln: ‘ . . . let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the Nation’s wounds, to care for him who shall have borne the battle . . . .’ On this Veterans Day, I ask all Americans to express their appreciation to our Nation’s veterans.”
President Bush, 2007 Veterans Day Proclamation
Along with honoring our veterans, I think their loved ones who stay behind deserve our support as well.
The Silent Ranks
I wear no uniforms, no blues or army greens.
But I am in the military in the ranks rarely seen.
I have no rank upon my shoulders. Salutes I do not give.
But the military world is the place where I live.
I’m not in the chain of command, orders I do not get.
But my husband is the one who does, this I can not forget.
I’m not the one who fires the weapon, who puts my life on the line.
But my job is just as tough. I’m the one that’s left behind.
My husband is a patriot, a brave and prideful man.
and the call to serve his country not all can understand.
Behind the lines I see the things needed to keep this country free.
My husband makes the sacrifice, but so do our kids and me.
I love the man I married. Soldiering is his life.
But I stand among the silent ranks known as the Military Wife.
–Shiela Gault
We appreciate you all!
Stray Thoughts 
Yes, the families of the military need our support too. Today is a good day to remember to pray for them.
Well done. I’m so proud of the Military here in the US and their families. đ
Good thoughts. I appreciate the poem, too.
Great post. Thank you for remembering the silent ranks as well.
“Along with honoring our veterans, I think their loved ones who stay behind deserve our support as well.”
I totally agree. Their sacrifice is every bit as important as the soldier.
I may not be an American but I would like to share my appreciation for them as well.