At Fort Hood yesterday there were two events that encompassed many of the experiences our military members and families.  The somber memorial service for the painful loss suffered during the recent massacare by an army major prefaced the exuberance of the homecoming of the Grey Wolf Troopers, soldiers of the 3rd Brigade combat team, 1st Cavalary.  Tragically the 13 fallen men and women and the dozens of wounded soldiers met their enemy on friendly soil in their own backyards.  It is a stark reminder of the threat and peril that our servicemen face daily throughout the world.

Long before and long after Veterans day was set on the 11th hour, on the 11th day, of the 11th month, soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen have placed themselves in harm’s way for our protection.  Armistice Day, the end of World War I, was memorialized with the creation of Rememberance Day to honor the veterans of the Great War.  Afterwards, World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, Dessert Storm, Dessert Storm 2 and the War on Terror propelled countless military members and their families into the line of fire.  Our military has been threatened and attacked outside of declared war in Beirut, Somalia, at the Pentagon attacks and countless other engagements. 

These dangers do not deter those that willingly and loyally serve.  Those honored veterans and active duty military that have put on the mantle of service to their country stand in the gap for us everyday.  Oftentimes their stories are punctuated with jubuliant homecomings like seen at Fort Hood yesterday.  Coverage of the Homecoming But knowingly these servicemen enter into lives that can end with a somber homecoming in a flag draped casket surrounded by battle buddies and loved ones. 

To all of those who sacrifice, thank you.