A Spotlight on Veterans – Remembering Our Veterans With Austin Rhodes

"As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them." -John F. Kennedy

Tomorrow 11/11 National Veterans Day will be observed once again at Arlington National Cemetery at exactly 11 am at the tomb of the unknown soldier with a wreath laying, a parade of colors by Veterans' organizations and remarks from official dignitaries as it is each year. It's not a day where we say "Happy" but it is a day that we look back in solemn remembrance. As the daughter, granddaughter, niece and sister of veterans, this day holds special meaning. My dad passed away many years ago but I still can't see a Marine in uniform without thinking about the young man who handed me the precisely folded flag from my father's coffin, looked deeply into my eyes and thanked me for his service and sacrifice. There are simply no words to express the feelings of pride and sorrow that come at that moment. To say it changes you is an immense understatement, but changed I am.

You never really see military service in the same light again once you experience that moment. While I grew up in a very patriotic family, I have to admit that "supporting the troops" was something I've said my entire life. It feels a lot different saying it now.
My objective since that terrible day has been to be worthy as a citizen of this great nation of the sacrifices made by so many. To be a person worth the effort put forth by the men and women long gone who paid the ultimate price for my freedom and the freedom of my family. After all, it's the only thing they ever asked of us all, and it's what they deserve.