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Health & Fitness

What is a Veteran?

Recognize our Veterans

I’m amazed and dismayed that there are still people in this country that can’t tell the difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day, yet they claim to be “Americans”.  The difference is simple: on Memorial Day in May we recognize all those that paid the ultimate sacrifice to protect our nation; on November 11th we recognize all veterans. But what is a veteran?

A veteran is defined by federal law, moral code and military service as "Any, Any, Any"... A military veteran is Any person who served for Any length of time in Any military service branch. Source: (http://www.americanwarlibrary.com/whatvet.htm)

It is days such as this [Veterans Day] that finally give credit to those who have served and at the same time remind us what a terrible toll war can have. It must always be remembered that the mission of the military is NOT to go to war, but to do all that is possible by being strong and trained and ready to make sure no one wants to go to war with us. The mission of our armed forces is not war, it is peace. It is the sheep dogs who keep the wolves away from the sheep, and our world is full of wolves. Source: (Craig Roberts, November 9, 2004, NewsWithViews.com)

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My favorite definition of a veteran is:

A “Veteran” whether active duty, discharged, retired, or reserve – is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount “up to, and including his life.” That is honor. And there are way too many people in this country today, who no longer understand that fact. (Author Unknown)

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To sum it up: "For those who know, no explanation is necessary.  For those who don't know, no explanation will suffice." (Anonymous)

Remember a Vet on November 11th.

Mike Kenney

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