Shake the hand of a veteran for preserving America's freedom

EDGEWATER, Fla. -- Veterans Day is not just a day off  -- nor is it just another Tuesday. It is a special day to pause and remember all those who served in whatever capacity to preserve America's freedom.

We still have a few living veterans veterans from World War I. My grandfather fought in WWI in the Calvary division. We have a photo of him in uniform on his horse.

My uncles were in World War II and thankfully survived to return home to their loved ones. They have left us now, but had good lives well into their elder years . My cousin was in Viet Nam, making roads and was blown off his machine by an IUD. He survived.

I am happy to say I have been fortunate that my family members made it home. So many others from other families did not.

We remember them always, but Veterans Day is the day we honor and salute all who fought or did some small part in service to their country whatever that may have been: Some who were cooks or secretaries or whatever sometimes think they don’t deserve recognition because they were not directly in the line of fire. But they, too, deserve recognition.

We remember them always, but Veterans Day is the day we honor and salute all who fought or did some small part in service to their country whatever that may have been: Some who were cooks or secretaries or whatever sometimes think they don’t deserve recognition because they were not directly in the line of fire. But they, too, deserve recognition.

They signed up, did their job and enabled the fighters to have equipment they needed or meals ready to eat; so many things that I can’t even begin to name them all.

So if you know someone who served, offer to shake their hand and thank them for their selfless service.If you see a uniformed-person out and about, thank them and maybe buy them a cup of Joe. Show your appreciation for them helping provide your freedom.

Without all current and past military, our freedom would have been lost back in 1776. Look at the world today and count your blessings that you live here in the United States of America, the land of the free and the home of the brave.

Headline Surfer® is the award-winning 24/7 internet newspaper serving the Daytona Beach-Orlando metro region via HeadlineSurfer.com. It is owned & operated by Publisher Henry Frederick, who has been recognized with more awards in the past three years from the Florida Press Club, the statewide journalism contest, than any other reporter in the Sunshine State: 25 stories, 3 blogs and top internet site.