thank you

At the 11th hour on the 11th day of the 11th month the war that was to end all wars finally came to its own tired, blood drenched end.  At that 11th hour on that 11th day in that 11th month a piece of paper was signed and the world was changed forever.  Innocence was lost, a generation of young men were lost, sons, and fathers were lost.   And we all know to well it did not end all wars.

Today on this 11th day of the 11th month we stand as one and thank those living and dead for their sacrafice.  Those of us who have never gone to war have no idea of its scope.  Those who have gone to war to protect us know it only too well.

 And may I just say that it is my most heartfelt wish that someday we will no longer have to pause and reflect on this 11th day of the 11th month.  It is my heartfelt wish that someday we will no longer have veterans day for we will no longer have veterans, and we will no longer have wars.

But until such a day.  I stand and salute you, you who have given yourselves to protect us.

Thank you.