Veterans' Day 11/11/11

Veterans' Day 11/11/11 is a special day, a historic one, as we remember the 11th hour of
the 11th day of the 11th month, and everyday that all those who wore or are wearing the
uniform of the U.S. Military.

The meaning of Veterans' Day to me as I look back at the history of our country, is one of pride,
remembrance, honor, sorrow and joy all mixed together.

Proud of every veteran of every generation. It does not matter where or when you served, you are
a hero, you did your best to keep America the land of the Free. Not just America, but freedom for
so many millions of people around the world.

Remembering all who gave their lives, were wounded or were POW/MIA. You are not forgotten
and our nation is a better place because you where there when it counted.

It is an honor to be counted among the 22.6 million living veterans. It is a small brotherhood, but
one that will always live in our hearts, minds and memories. Often through hard times and in
far away places, we stood tall and did our duty.

Sorrow to think about the brave men and women who did not return to their loved ones and family.
To look at the lines of headstones in our national cemeteries, lined up at "dress right dress" is
a truly humbling experience. To visit the various memorials across this great land and to think
about the reason for their being.

Joy to know that the generation now serving in our military will carry on the tradition of those
who went before them; and sad to know that it is necessary, that more lives will be lost, more
maimed and injured. Not just the physical wounds, but also the mental anguish and pain that
will be with them for the rest of their lives.

A simple Thank You is not enough, but sometimes it is all a veteran will ever receive; and
often all a veteran wants. To be remembered for the sacrifices and hardships we faced.

How can we ever thank our veterans enough? So if you see a veteran shake his/her hand
and say Thank You From The Bottom Of My Heart.

Jerald Terwilliger
National Chairman
American Cold War Veterans
"We Remember"



---------------- "And so the greatest of American triumphs... became a peculiarly joyless victory. We had won the Cold War, but there would be no parades." -- Robert M. Gates, 1996