Les Blaylock

Veterans became veterans because they possessed the honor, bravery and patriotism that they needed, to stand up for their country. These men and women represent everything that we, as a nation, fight to protect, everything we value in life. Our honor, our liberty, our livelihood, lies with them.

The biggest sacrifices veterans have made for their country do not just happen on the battlefield. They happen quietly, without fanfare, without recognition. They happen in small homes and living rooms, with only those left behind as witnesses. Everything a veteran must do is a sacrifice, from leaving behind their lives, to stepping onto the battlefield. The sacrifice of time is just as important as the bravery shown in war, and oftentimes much more difficult. These sacrifices are what make veterans special.

Our nation’s veterans pledge their lives to our defense, so that in their absence, we can continue to live in freedom and enjoy our time in life. It is not uncommon for servicemen and women to come back from duty with physical disabilities and mental health issues. There are, however, disability benefits available to them, that they rightly deserve, which can sometimes be hard for veterans to acquire; this is where people like Kentucky VA Disability and PTSD lawyers can come in to help. Veterans are separate from our everyday struggles. They represent our country as a whole, people of every belief coming together and standing strong.

They do not pledge themselves to us simply because it is their duty. They have a deep-seated belief that this country is worth fighting for, and they volunteer to be the ones to step forward in its protection. The patriotism in their hearts is what allows everyday life to continue unimpeded; it is how they advance and do what they must for the good of the country as a whole, not just what they would want themselves.

The veterans in our country show the most valued trait in civic virtue; selflessness, the ability to put their entire country before themselves as individuals. Veterans devote their entire lives to the improvement of society, in the hope that we don’t befall the same mistakes as those before us. Veterans are those who have volunteered themselves for their country, they are the people we salute every day, the men and women we respect in the highest honor.

America’s veterans choose their path knowing the difficulties it will hold, knowing the sacrifices they will be required to make, fully aware that they may never return, but safe in the knowledge that they are supported by their country.

Our veterans are special because they alone understand the true cost of freedom, and are willing to pay that price so that our posterity may enjoy the benefits of that freedom, and so our country can continue its legacy far beyond our imaginings.

Look around you. Look for that ordinary individual that may not be so ordinary. Look for that person who doesn’t stand out in a crowd but deserves to. Look for that selfless individual who gave more than most of us dream of giving. Recognize that person who didn’t seek recognition. You never know, that person may be a veteran, and veterans are extraordinary, no matter how ordinary they may appear to be.

Remember, freedom is not free. Thank a veteran for yours.