I owe an awful lot of thanks to those brave men and women of our military forces, both who died trying to defend our freedom, as well as t hose who were injured, and also the ones who serve and will serve our great nation. If it had not been for their sacrifice, we would not enjoy the benefits that we Americans are so blessed to have. They also keep our country safe from enemies who want nothing more than to destroy our nation and our ideals, and this is one reason why people decide to go into the military.

I would like to go into the military (Air Force or probably the Marines), but since I cannot (due to my physical limiatations), I must try to show my support by praying for their safety (or praying for the families of those brave men and women who died trying to defend us).  I also try to support the veterans of our nation by visiting the injured or sick veterans at the hospital or veteran's home, so as to bring them some happiness in their lives. I also perform for them during holidays like Veteran's Day or on Memorial Day, to let them know that I care for them and appreciate all the good things that they have doen for my country--and for ME.

I am lucky to have friends and family who were (or ARE) in the Armed Forces. My grandpere' Armand Moliere' was in the Armed Forces during World War II (he didn't actually GO into battle, but he still served our country for two years, so that makes him a veteran!), and I also have a sister (Tanya) who is considering on joining the Marines as soon as she finishes up her schooling in Texas. I also have a very good adult friend, Roberto Sormiento, who joined the Marines right after September 11, 2001, happened, and he was in Afghanistan for about a year and a half. He is now in the Marine Reserves, and he still goes to the Marine base in Memphis, Tennessee, every month for "refresher training" and to keep up on what he learned in the military.

I must say this: he sure looks great in his Marine uniform! :)

I just wish more people would appreciate all the sacrifices our military personnel, past AND present, make just to keep our nation safe. Instead, people have protested our going to war, or they mocked our military personnel, calling them nasty names or even going as far as spitting on them. Or they put the injured veterans into hospitals or nursing homes, wehre they are either treated badly or are forgotten. I think that is absolutely HORRIBLE!! This should NOT be allowed AT all! We must do ALL we possibly can to support those who served our nation!!

As I like to say whenever I think of people like my grandpere' Armand or my friend Roberto Sormiento: "Do the best thing yet...thank a vet!" (And I DO! :) )

Let me wish ALL of our veterans (and the families of such, and especially the families who lost sons and/or daughters in wartime) a very happy Veteran's Day, and may God bless each and every one of them! May we NEVER FORGET them OR the reasons WHY they chose to go to war or into the military!

~Written by Ronee' Le-Anne Reaux, on November 11, 2005 (Veteran's Day). :D *SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAALUTE!!*