Freedom is never free

Friday, November 16, 2012

This week we celebrated Veterans Day, and I was asked to say a few words at one of the local events honoring these brave men and women. It was an easy task. As part of my preparation, I asked my speech students to write a note expressing their thoughts on what our veterans had contributed to our country. Even those who rarely complete an assignment seemed excited to turn in this one. Many mentioned loved ones who had fought -- or are currently stationed in other countries -- and how much they appreciated the sacrifices made. Several recognized and thanked these heroes who had missed many family memories because their duties took them far from home. Some of my students indicated plans to go into the military, but others admitted they lacked the courage to do so. Most wrote that we take these men and women for granted, and one of our foreign exchange students thanked our soldiers for "making this a beautiful country," and that, because of them, "no aliens will ever attack us." Needless to say, I included that in my talk to our veterans, as well as the following excerpts:

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