(U-WIRE) DURHAM, N.H. - It doesn't matter whether they are Squids, Jar Heads, Zoomies, Grunts or Coasties, they will die for you. The men and women of the U.S. Navy, Marines, Air Force, Army and Coast Guard have taken an oath to sacrifice their lives for the protection of yours and your rights under the Constitution.
Your right to choose between McDonald's Big Mac or Burger King's Whopper is defended by these people. The right to a hot shower, warm bed and a cold beer (if you are legal) is protected. These people die for your right to buy gas for your car, and the abi lity to even purchase one (if you have the cash or credit).
Many people have died so that you can have the privilege to pierce your tongue, nose or eyebrow (or any other body part you so choose). So you can dye your hair fuchsia if you want, grow it down to your derriere or just shave it all off. People will continue to stand up for your ability to chose your sexual partner or even whether to have sex or not. They defend a woman's right to sexual pleasure. (No clitectamies in this country.)
Your religion is secure. You can worship whichever entity you choose - God, the Devil, Cindy Crawford or none at all.
Our military will continue to defend your right to an education. Your freedom to speak your mind, even if it means calling them "war-mongers" or "baby-killers." Your vote in the election of our governmental leaders, so you better know your candidates.
I am a veteran. I swore to uphold the beliefs of this country, even if it meant that I might have to die. (What could I do? Throw a typewriter at them?) I am proud that I served. (Grateful I didn't have to give a life - or limb.) I never knew what patriotism was until I served in the Air Force. I signed my life away for more money and education benefits; however, they taught me more than journalism and office politics. Now I cry during the National Anthem (or is it just memories o f Basic Training?). I'm thankful every day. I listen or read the news and thank God I'm an American.
Our country may not be perfect. Children are starving in our own backyards. Violence is tearing apart our youth. There is civil unrest among our cultures. Families are killing themselves. But we are striving towards equality, peace and prosperity, as our forefathers (and foremothers) did.
Veterans Day is Tuesday. It is a day of remembrance. Take time to thank those people who swore to uphold your rights and the rights of others. Remember those who died for your way of life. Think about those who are still Missing In Action. Sometimes they were led in the wrong direction, but they always believed, fought and were willing to die for your rights.