Salute to the Veterans

Once a year to pay tribute to the Veterans. I know some of us hold them all dear in our hearts year round. I have taken Hugh Hewitt's lead and thank Veterans for their service whenever the time is right.
Some Vets are close to me and I remember them individually this weekend:
1. My father. 91 and still going strong. Served in the US Navy as a LT. Communications officer on the U.S.S. Currituck. Many stories to tell. Most involved alcohol.
2. My late brother. Served as a dispursing clerk on the U.S.S. Okinawa during the Vietnam War.
3. My Uncle Harry. Still with us. Served in the Army in Eurorpe in WWII
4. My late Uncle Gene. Was in the Coast Guard in WW II. Cushy job? Hardly, he drove a Higgins boat and was invovled in beach landings in almost every major campaign in Europe including Normandy and numerous landings in Italy. Once had to return to claim the gear of every single man he dropped off. . . none survived. Once watched as the Lt's head was blown off immediately after the door dropped down to drop the men. Watch the landing scene in Private Ryan again and imagine living it over and over. He came back with a nervous tick that lasted his lifetime.
5. My mother's brother Edward. Navy pilot WWII. Killed off the coast of Africa in an aborted carrier landing fighting the scourge of Fascism. Big good looking kid. Sorry I never got to know him.

Thank you all for your service. I wouldn't be here typing if you and yours hadn't answered the call.