Happy Veteran's Day!

[MN Mom]

Just wanted to take an opportunity to thank all who serve our country! I am so proud to count my son among the ranks when offering my gratitude. My 11 and 12-year-old daughters each responded to the Patriot's Pen question, "When is the right time to honor our military heroes?" I am including the responses as tribute to all who serve.

By LS age 12
"Everyone is sad and still as they honor our fallen soldier, Specialist George Cauley, who was killed in Afghanistan on October 11th, 2009. There are veterans standing by the door holding flags. They have been there all day. It is very uncomfortable to stand at attention watching people pass by as they honor our fallen friend. There are two soldiers in uniform. They stand by his casket with their heads bowed. They have also been standing there all day like this. They have to stand perfectly still, this shows that they deeply respect Specialist Cauley.
You don’t need to wait for a soldier to die to be able to honor them, you are able to honor and respect a veteran at all times. You can even honor them as you pass them on the street. You see just because there is a day labeled Veteran’s Day, doesn’t mean that’s the only time you can honor our heroes.
The last words that came out of Specialist Cauley’s mouth before he died were directed towards his captain. As he lay in his hospital bed, Specialist Cauley looked into his captains eyes and asked, “What do you need me to do today, Captain?”
This question proves that our veterans would put their lives on the line anytime, anywhere, to keep us safe and to keep and give us freedom. Some of the freedoms that they give us are the rights to vote for our leader. They also fight for our right to an education, as well as the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
To honor our military heroes we need to consistently do the simple stuff. We can shake the hands of our veterans and say, “Thank you.” We can bow our heads. We can vote. We can take advantage of our education. We can worship the god of our choice. As the ultimate sign of honoring our military heroes, we can join the military. It doesn’t matter so much how we honor our military heroes. It does matter that we constantly honor all that have served. Specialist Cauley’s last words should be a challenge to all Americans to remember and honor all of our military heroes always. Find a veteran or survivor of a veteran and ask yourself, “What can I do to honor this soldier today?” "


By HS age 11
"Honor. What is it? When do you use it? To begin answering these questions, it is important to understand the meaning of the word honor. According to dictionary.com, honor is “to hold in honor or high respect”.
The right time to hold our military heroes in high respect is always. Our military heroes have taken different routes to enter the military. Some of them have volunteered to defend our country. Others didn’t have a choice and were drafted. All military heroes have given up time with families, normal lives, and jobs to defend America. Some military heroes have sacrificed their bodies, mental health, and even their lives.
The reason our military heroes are willing to sacrifice so much is because they love their home and they want to make sure their families and everyone else are safe. Our military heroes go away so we can be free. They sacrifice so we can have choices. They sacrifice so we can say what we think. They sacrifice so we can vote. They sacrifice so we can be what we want to be.
I stood in the driveway tonight. It was hard to get a clear view of the military hero in front of me through the tears in my eyes. My dad was going back to Iraq… again. When I think about what my dad has sacrificed it makes me happy, sad, and proud. I’m happy for him because this is what he needs to do. I’m sad because I miss him and don’t want him to go. I’m proud because he is keeping America safe and free. This reminds me how much I want other people to respect and honor my dad and all of our military heroes. When is the right time? The right time is always. Always demonstrate respect by using the basic rights defended by these brave Americans."