America's Great Generations

Tuesday was Veterans’ Day;  remembrance of the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month that marked the Armistice ending World War I and every war since.  I forgot to mention it to veterans I know and care about.  My sister, Judy Hulbert, an operating room nurse in Vietnam (think M*A*S*H, without all the funny parts).  Jim Lindsey, who attends regular reunions with his Army buddies but I’ve never heard talk about it.   Silver Star and Purple Heart recipient, Bob Manning; retired from the video production business. He founded and now devotes his time to USAcares.org. My nephew, Ryan Voelker, graduated college and promptly entered the Army as an enlisted man, only weeks before September 11, 2001.  And, of course, CurrentMarketing‘s favorite veteran-to-be, Air Force Academy Cadet Spencer Schardein.
I truly respect, appreciate and admire these and all veterans; their service and sacrifice.  If you know a vet, and didn’t recognize them on Veterans Day, it’s never too late.  Even if you disagreed with the wars they endured, they endured them for you.
Thank them.
This blog was inspired by a story in yesterday’s Courier-Journal (yes, I still read the hard copy) about my friend Doug Julius’ father.  Like so many vets — especially those of the Greatest Generation — Bill Julius was quiet about his  war experience.  It reminded me of a closing line from HBO’s mini-series “Band of Brothers” when Dick Winters remembers his grandson asking if he was a war hero (which he was).  I can’t watch that clip without choking up at least a little bit.
So, to all the heros, and those who served with them:  Thank you.