Freedom Comes at a High Price

Freedom comes at a high price. No matter what they may think about the current war efforts in Iraq, most Americans understand that the soldiers fighting on behalf of our country are working to maintain the tradition of standing up for our beliefs that first began back in the 1770s – and which allowed the creation of this great United States.
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<br>November 11 is the day we set aside to honor the sacrifices made by our soldiers. The day was first considered hallowed because it marked the end of major conflicts in World War I – the signing of the Armistice that ended that war, which many people around the world believed at that time to be the most devastating military effort in history. However, as we all know, that terrible global conflict was succeeded by World War II, and then – as we all know – a series of smaller, but no less dreadful wars between the United States and nations that Congress believed threatened the interests of out country.
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<br>In 1954, led by efforts of the Emporia Chamber of Commerce in Emporia, Kansas, the term "Armistice Day" was replaced by "Veterans Day," which pays homage to veterans of all American wars and military service.
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<br>Throughout the United States, Veterans Day is celebrated with parades – and of course, like almost every holiday known to man, Veterans Day is a bank holiday. Setting aside the annoyance of tellers being absent once again from their booths, really, the parades are really all most of us experience when celebrating Veterans Day.
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<br>It's important to remember, however, that while we skirt the ranks of soldiers of old wars marching down Main Street and blocking our path while we are on our way to grab some lunch, there are many Americans who spend Veterans Day at cemeteries, commemorating the memory of loved ones who were lost during their service to us.
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<br>According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, as of May 2007 approximately 1 million U.S. soldiers have died in war – whether during outright battles or during military service associated with war. And certainly for those soldiers and military personnel who returned home following active duty, their lives were never the same. I can't help but believe that for these heroes, their military service was the most life-changing experience in their lives. When I see veterans, I am always awed by their sacrifice, no matter what my opinion was of the Congress that sent them to battle.
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<br>This Veterans Day, we should all consider doing something special for a soldier. That could be something as simple as helping your children draw a card to send to the local chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars, or putting together a lunch or breakfast party for the same group. You could also volunteer to help work on a float for your local Veterans Day parade, or drive an old soldier who no longer drives himself to the parade for his moment in the sun. You might even do something that will take very little effort on your part – but be greatly appreciated by the soldiers – by bringing coffee and sandwiches or cold drinks (depending upon which part of the country in which you live) to the beginning or end of the parade route. Remember – you don't have to go all out to show your thanks. It really just takes putting a bit of thought into how you can thank, even in the smallest way, people who have faced God-knows-what horrors in service to this country.
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<br>If you have a veteran in your own life – or even want to thank a hometown hero returning from the Middle East – there are a number of gifts that could mean so much. Ranging from something simple such as a family party at a nice restaurant or your house to something that perhaps he has not been able to work for while earning his military stipend such as new bedroom furniture, you could show your appreciation in a lot of ways.
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<br>I personally believe that a gift of simple jewelry, such as cufflinks, always makes a nice statement and is a gesture that is much appreciated. There are a number of styles available – from seals of all the branches of the U.S. military to soldiers throwing grenades to military planes – that would allow your military hero to quietly display his military service.
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<br>After all, they're heroes, and heroes never get to wear their hearts on their sleeves. At least, give them something worthy to put on their cuffs.
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