I had intended to post my review of the book I just read, but I think I should wait on that.  Today (actually it was Saturday, 11/08/09) we had our Veteran's Day parade.  I am proud that out of all the parades that go on in our city, this seems to be the one with the best of everything.  Many bands, marching soldiers, C-130 airplanes flying low over the crowd, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, WWII re-enactors, drill and ceremony, manual-of-arms by the Air Force cadets, you name it, we had it.  Probably one of the most touching was an old guy in a car for The American Ex-Prisoners of War waving his stump out the window.  The local paper wrote about the parade here.

Of course, Colorado Springs is home to five military bases, so

we do have a high population of veterans but you can ask some of these military guys that come around here, every city doesn't appreciate the military.  Anyway, I appreciate every vet and especially the combat vets.

From the VA homepage for Veteran's Day:

Many people confuse Memorial Day and Veterans Day. Both holidays were established to recognize and honor the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States Armed Forces. But Memorial Day, which is observed on the last Monday in May, was originally set aside as a day for remembering and honoring military personnel who died in the service of their country, particularly those who died in battle or as a result of wounds sustained in battle.

While those who died are also remembered on Veterans Day, which is observed on November 11, Veterans Day is intended to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military - in wartime or peacetime. In fact, Veterans Day is largely intended to thank living Veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our national security are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served - not only those who died - have sacrificed and done their duty.

To ensure the sacrifices of America 's fallen heroes are never forgotten, in December 2000, the U.S. Congress passed and the president signed into law "The National Moment of Remembrance Act," P.L. 106-579, creating the White House Commission on the National Moment of Remembrance. The commission's charter is to "encourage the people of the United States to give something back to their country, which provides them so much freedom and opportunity" by encouraging and coordinating commemorations in the United States of Memorial Day and the National Moment of Remembrance.

The National Moment of Remembrance encourages all Americans to pause wherever they are at 3 p.m. local time on Memorial Day for a minute of silence to remember and honor those who have died in service to the nation. For information on the National Moment of Remembrance, please visit: www.remember.gov.

Love your freedom?  Thank a Vet.  It's more than a bumper sticker.