On this day that we all give thanks, I believe one of the most common thoughts in households across this great nation will be thanks to our military.
As the father of a son who is currently doing his second tour of Iraq in the U.S. Army, I am one of those who developed a renewed feeling of respect and thanks for our military.
Prior to my son, Justin, going to Iraq the first time, I was guilty — as many Americans are —of having a sense of apathy when it comes to our veterans.
I can remember, years ago, going to Veterans Day events around the Mid-Mon Valley and seeing sparse crowds attending. Most of those few were senior citizens who had ties to World War II, the Korean War or Vietnam.
I can also remember at the time thinking the day would come when nobody would be attending these Veterans Day events.
And, to be honest, I only felt sad for the vets who served in those earlier wars. But I didn't think many people would care.
However, starting with the Gulf War, and then the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, Americans seem to have gotten a renewed sense of patriotism when it comes to our military.
At least, I know I have.
And I have noticed it at the last few Veterans Day events with the size of the crowds.
The hearts of Americans have not only been captured by the sacrifices that have been made by our service people in more recent wars, but those hearts now seem to be more cognizant of those same sacrifices made by WWII, Korea and Vietnam vets as well.
And I'm sure those folks are feeling more appreciative of our troops. Not only because they know what the new generation of soldiers is going through, but they are finally starting to show the respect that has long been overdue.
Still, most Americans probably don't have a clue what our service people go through and what they give up to serve our country and protect the nation.
I need only look as far as my own son to see what those sacrifices entail.
He is the father of two boys, ages 3 and 4, and he has missed two Christmas holidays and two important developmental years in their lives while serving his country.
Those are years he will never get back.
He also has missed valuable time with his family, including his grandfather, who is battling cancer.
Justin has always been close to both his grandfathers, including my dad who passed away nearly two years ago.
How much of a sacrifice do these men and women make?
Well, the first time my son was in Iraq, my father had taken ill and we thought he was going to die.
I followed the proper channels and went through the Red Cross to try and get him to come home.
Justin, who had already enjoyed his two-week leave earlier in the year, was given permission by the Army to come home.
However, he was also told that, in order to come back, he had to take another soldier's leave.
My son called me and said, "Dad, you know I love Pap, but I can't come home. I can't take somebody else's leave. I had mine and he deserves to see his family, too."
That's just a part of the sacrifice these men and women make for their country.
Justin is scheduled to return home from Iraq sometime before Christmas. His wife and children -- as well as the rest of the family -- will miss him today.
But we will all be thankful for what he has done for his country.
Many of you already share that same feel- ing.
It would be nice if those of you who have not thought about what these amazing people have done for us pause for a moment today and think about it.
