veterans have made so that we have the freedom to post such material, to
live and work in the community of our choice, to practice our religion and
to criticize our government when we don't agree with a decision they have
made. Much of this would be impossible in many countries and could subject
one to harsh treatment, including death.
As someone who is blind with a mild hearing loss, I am able to work and live
on my own. Contrast that with some other countries where someone like me
would be kekpt at home and cared for the rest of her life. I have access to
technology that allows me to ac cess information. I'm able to participate
in the political process through my advocacy work. I can even go out
shopping on my own.
I'm able to do many, if not all, of these things because of the sacrifices
our veterans have made. They have defended freedom so that I and others
like me can have choices. They have answered the call to serve so that all
of us might be able to vote in free and fair elections as many of us did
last week, choosing to toss out politicians we didn't like in many places.
In many countries, they don't have free and fair elections so can't affect
change in this way. We can and that is a right we have because of the
sacrifices of our veterans.
I'm reminded of these sacrifices thanks to the Greatest Generation who are
now part of the honor flights and are just now getting the thanks from a
grateful nation which they so richly deserve. That's been a long time
coming but well and richly deserved for life would be very different today
if they had not answered the call to serve.
So if you see a veteran today, tell him or her thank you for their service
no matter which branch of the military they served in or which war they
served in. All have sacrificed much for future generations.
In closing, I just want to say thank you to any veteran who might read this.
Please know that your service to our country is greatly appreciated.
