"It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the organizer, Who gave us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag. And whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag." Father Dennis Edward O'Brien, USMC

I bid everyone a good morning where we are all practicing our bracing this morning. You know, they tell us to brace for the coming arctic blast. That's got the weather folks who stand in front of a blank green screen trying to make sure they point to the right item on the map on the monitor they read from. This is what's got people stirred up around these parts, therefore, I thought we might as well chime in with our two cents worth on this Monday, November 11, 2019, a day set aside to pay honor and respect to all of those who have worn the military uniform of our nation and served us all, Veterans Day. I'll talk more about Veterans Day in a moment, but, first, let's finish up on the predicted deep freeze deep in the heart of Texas. Last Saturday morning, at 8:30 a.m., Mr. Bentley and I went for our morning ride. It was 43 degrees and a wee bit chilly as the wind blew on us through my open truck window. When we came around where the little park is located I noticed a teenaged girl swinging. That's looked odd on such a cool morning. A few more blocks and I saw a mom, a kid, and a little dog. They had stopped on the road and the 10-year-old boy was sitting on the asphalt cross-legged working on tying his tennis shoes. He was wearing basketball shorts and a light jacket. Mom had a long coat and her head was wrapped up with one of the old fashioned scarves. The little dog was patiently waiting but shivering in the cool air. Further on, I saw a kid come out of his house and run for the car. He had trouble moving because of all the winter gear he was wearing. He looked like he might be headed for a guest shot on one of those National Geographic shows where they spend time with the Eskimos. Like I say, they were likely practicing their bracing for the really cold stuff which should be here for Tuesday and Wednesday. That is, if the weather person was pointing at the right graphic on that blank screen. You can see how easy it is for me to be confused.

Here is a piece I wrote 10 years ago. I thought it was appropriate in light of this special day: ~ We Remember."Happy Veterans Day on this Wednesday, November 11, 2009. There is a history of how this particular day came to be the one we recognize where we as a grateful nation pause to pay tribute to all veterans and thank God for their willingness to serve our country. It started out as a day set aside to honor veterans of WWI but as we all know this world is filled with wars and rumors of war, therefore, over time, it was changed to honor all who have honorably worn the uniform of our country. My deceased dad and his deceased twin brother both served in WW2. My stepdad is retired from the U. S. Army and he served in Korea and Vietnam. This week my mom is hosting a mini-reunion for her two remaining siblings, Uncle Asa and Uncle Waymon and their wives. Both of these men fought for our country in WW2. Uncle Asa is 88 and still going strong. Uncle Waymon is 84 and dealing with health issues but still able to travel. I want to pay special tribute to my stepdad and these two men along with many others in our clan who wore the uniform and are heroes to our family.

This past Sunday, our local fellowship, like Churches all over America, had all those who have served to stand and be recognized. It always puts a lump in my throat as many of our most elderly wobble their way to the front and then stand at attention and offer a salute to the flag of our nation. It is our privilege to offer our gratitude to those who served. At the same time, we also remember the fallen who were willing to go but were not able to return. We remember those who suffered injuries, some that altered their lives forever. We also remember those who have suffered great emotional injury that has made everyday life a challenge in their return to the civilian world. All of these remembrances have one thing in common: Sacrifice. And, we thank God for so many who gave so much that we might remain a free people.

I watched much of the proceedings at the memorial from Fort Hood, Texas yesterday. For those killed in such a senseless way, it was a sad tribute, but a tribute indeed to what this country is all about as those from every corner who had volunteered to serve were memorialized. In honor of all our veterans, I offer up this prayer to our Great God: 'We ask for blessings on all those who have served our country in the armed forces. We ask for healing for the veterans who have been wounded, in body and soul, in conflicts around the globe. Bring solace to them, O Lord. Have mercy on all our veterans who answered our nation’s call to service. Bring peace to their hearts and peace to the regions they fought in. Bless all the soldiers who served in non-combat postings; May their calling to service continue in their lives in many positive ways. Those who have fought to make peace, may they know you O Lord, the Prince of Peace, I pray in Jesus Name.'" ~ Amen. …..More later.