Thank you to all who gave their all...

My brothers, sister and I grew up as military brats during the Vietnam era.

My father (who is thankfully still with us after 3 tours at war) was a Green Beret. Like the SEALS and other Special Forces units, the GBs are a smaller group and like big family. In fact, whenever we were reassigned, we often saw some of the same families. There was always a reunion.

So from time-to-time during the Vietnam war, I recall my father asking my mother "do you remember ____?" and then tell her that he was killed in action. I remember other times when GB families would gather together...and I would listen to my dad and his buddies tell stories and talk about the friends they lost.

As I was reflecting on this, my mind wandered and I started thinking that those who gave it all left more than just memories. They passed on the legacy of freedom. But they also strengthened the American value that there will be times that we must fight the "enemies of this value" in order to preserve the freedom for those who will come after us.

We are so grateful to the veterans and their families who gave it all.