What Indipendence Day means to Veterans

As a career soldier and Veteran of Vietnam and Desert Storm wars, I tend to spend much of this day observing Civilians. How they celibrate the day. On the news this morning I couldn't help notice that a vendor was interviewed setting up a booth at a local event selling University of Alabama stuff. It's an excellent way to illustrate my feelings about this day . We've all heard the O'le "Freedom isn't Free" slogan but do ya ever give it more than just a passing thought? During the latter years of service, i was fortunate enough to own a home smack dab in the middle of one of the greatest battles in American History. The American Revolution. Our home was 200 yards from where General Washingtons Headquarters was while the siege of Yorktown raged on just half mile down yorktown road. Every day i saw evidence of this battle for our freedom. Musket balls, wagon parts, uniform buttons, etc., were strewn all over my yard. It was a constant reminder that brave men on both sides suffered heavy losses. We, of course, won. Shortly thereafter on the 4th of July 1776, we became a nation. Many wars and many burials since then and I can't help but wonder if this day is nothing more than a firecracker show or a day off for most? I have a better idea. Give a Veteran a kind word. Pray for our military and most of ALL, conduct yourselves like you appreciate your hard earned freedom.