Here’s to… the men and women who, in bases all over the nation, stand ready   to repel the desolation of war. Training, always training, for what they would rather not do – but see as their duty to be ready to do. Here’s to the active military personnel – Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force.

Here’s to… the men and women who leave their homes all over the nation for so many days out of the year, training to back up their compatriots in active service and join them when called. Here’s to the reservists – again, Army, Navy, Marines, and Air Force.

Here’s to… the men and women who patrol our borders and our shores – an impossible and dangerous job, but one that needs to be done, and one that they do to the best of their ability. Here’s to the people of the Border Patrol and Coast Guard.

Here’s to… the men and women who are overseas, far from their family, their friends, and anything like a “normal” life. You are the teachers to those who would take our freedom that it is really not a good idea to try. Most of them never learn, but you keep on repeating the harsh lesson. Here’s to every one of those who are on the sharp end of the stick this day.

Here’s to… the men and women who have seen the full and horrible desolation of war, defending our nation wherever it was threatened – who have lost some piece of themselves, whether body, or soul, or both – or their very lives. For you, I will also raise a beer this Veteran’s Day, but it will be watered with my tears.

For all of you – a heartfelt “Thank you” is not enough – but it is all that I have, other than my prayers. You are in my thoughts on all days of the year, but especially so on this day.

(Images courtesy of Pixabay. Beer image by Alexander Lesnitsky, and poppy field by Enrique Lopez-Garre.)