You are a fine & moral person & a true friend to have.
I had some misgivings putting my thoughts down to you on this issue in the way I did.
In no way did I or would I consider my self a Patriot.
It was not with disrespect intended for any one that I wrote down my words.
But I do stand on the issue that serving together in the military builds the best bonds that can be between people.
To fight & possibly die beside others is the true test of caring for another.
It belongs along side the bonds of marriage.

Any one you grant friendship to is a deserving person in my eyes also.

But so many on this site pledge their patriotism & to me that speaks of a hollowness.
We as a Nation of Individuals are greatly divided.
Divided on important issues that have to do with the course we are on as a Nation.
People on both sides of important issues claim to be Patriots.

Most people have a hard time putting thoughts down on paper.
As I have opened up on issues & my thoughts on those issues It has been easier to do.
I may have become to easy to put down my thoughts & I do feel that I over do it.

I just have to much time to fill in a day,
Sharing it with others on his site is like a magnet drawing me in.

What makes a solder a hero & a person to be respected is in the code of honor that each of them bring to each other.
It is on the field of battle that the caring & respect for each other brings out the best in each other.

As I see it my time in the Army only pointe out that it was the very few that were face with fighting on the front lines.
I was drafted. I participated I don't consider my self a Patriot.
I sat behind a desk & only played war games a couple of times.
I didn't shoot to kill as much as I shot to discourage advancement.
It was about fire power. Or noise as they were blanks.
It was clear to me that I & those around me would have to depend on each other to survive.

The figure that comes to mind is: only 1 in 9 actually were on the front lines.
There was risked for others. But in lesser ways. But with the ultimate sacrifice.

To the one in nine go the praises. Because they were hero's for each other.
A bond that only a few really have.

We discussed this in church the other day.
Vets know this but for those that don't here is the difference in the three recognition days for our military.
!. Armed Forces Day is to honor those serving right now.
2. Veterans Day is to honor those who have served in the past, but are still with us.
3. Memorial Day is to honor all those who gave their life while in service.
I have a deep gratitude to the hero's that have died protecting our freedom. What brave men and women we have lost. All honor is for them.
And to the vets everywhere and the active duty personal, thank you so much for what you have done and for what you are doing to keep us free and safe. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.