Thank you & God bless you Veterans and enlisted troops

This post was originally posted on November 11, 2008

Today is Veterans Day, a day set aside to honor those who have served in the armed forces. My father, pictured right, served in the Marine Corps in WWII.

From President Bush's proclamation: (My emphasis)

From the fields and forests of war-torn Europe to the jungles of Southeast Asia, from the deserts of Iraq to the mountains of Afghanistan, brave patriots have protected our Nation's ideals, rescued millions from tyranny, and helped spread freedom around the globe. America's veterans answered the call when asked to protect our Nation from some of the most brutal and ruthless tyrants, terrorists, and militaries the world has ever known. They stood tall in the face of grave danger and enabled our Nation to become the greatest force for freedom in human history. ...

Our country is forever indebted to our veterans for their quiet courage and exemplary service. We also remember and honor those who laid down their lives in freedom's defense. These brave men and women made the ultimate sacrifice for our benefit. On Veterans Day, we remember these heroes for their valor, their loyalty, and their dedication. Their selfless sacrifices continue to inspire us today as we work to advance peace and extend freedom around the world.

If you want to know what that kind of valor looks like, Talk show host Mark Levin spoke to Sgt. Josh, an American soldier in Afghanistan last night. Listen to this clip from 11/10 (it is at the 66:45 mark toward the end.)

Sgt. Josh's life was saved by a fellow soldier, Sgt. Brandon Zizala, who gave his life in the process. Sgt. Josh retold the incident that while fighting the Taliban, al-Qaeda fighters, Zizala saved his life. Sgt. Brandon Zizala has since been awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his bravery.

Sgt. Josh also told of another buddy who was injured and given the option to return home. His buddy chose instead to return to Afghanistan. The Commander in Chief-elect described Americas presence in Afghanistan much differently. I think it will be difficult for some of our troops to serve the new commander, but being the honorable men and women they are, they will.

Our Veterans deserve our thanks. Our current troops need our prayers too. I have a few on my list that I try to pray for every day. Some I know, some I have never met. During the presidential campaign I added 3: Sarah Palin's son Track, John McCain's son Jimmy, and Joe Biden's son Beau to my list. I pray for their protection, that they would have wisdom to act honorably and recognize danger, and that God would draw them to Himself and keep them spiritually strong.

A thank you and prayer do not cost us anything, yet those two things could make a difference to our soldiers.

You might celebrate the day by watching a movie about America's fighting forces. These are just a few of my favorites: Glory- Civil War, Sergeant York-WWI, The Lost Battalion- also WWI (warning, great story, but very bloody), and The Tuskegee Airmen- WWII. All great stories about incredible men, available at the library.

Links: Practically Speaking, Betterbrookfield, RandyMelchert, Jay Weber, Vicki McKenna, The Right View Wisconsin, CNS News, Mark Levin, Breitbart BigGovernment, The Heritage Foundation