Today we honor those who serve

Well  it's the eleventh day of the eleventh month, but I'm long past the eleventh hour.  I couldn't go to sleep tonight without taking a moment to say "thank you" to all of our service men and women out there...past and present.

I'm not a veteran myself.  However, I do know many whom I hold near and dear to my heart.  I consider myself to be pretty darn patriotic and the pride I have for my country and in those who have defended it is unmatched.  In fact, I'm the sap who cries when she hears the Star Spangled Banner, especially if the flag is waving "just so."  I also cry when hearing America the Beautiful, and sometimes get a little emotional just saying the Pledge of Allegiance.  And you know what?  None of that bothers me in the least.  I don't care who sees me cry when I'm displaying love for my country and pride in those who have fought to give us the freedoms we enjoy (and often take for granted).

In addition to the men and women who have served over seas, or are serving now, there are also unsung heroes in their spouses.  I've never had the experience of being a military spouse, and I think I can say with relative certainty that I never will.  What I can say is that I know it takes a special kind of woman (or man) to hold down the fort and keep the home fires burning while their spouse is away.  The sacrifices are many and the thanks very few for all parts of the military family.  Though I may never be in their shoes, I salute and commend them for their efforts.  I will never know exactly how much strength and fortitude this requires, I can only guess...and my guess is that there is no way to measure the amount.

I'm hesitant to name those I'd like to honor tonight, because I'm so afraid that I'll miss someone.  If you're reading this and you're a veteran and I don't mention you personally, please please don't take offense.  There is certainly none intended.  With that said, I'd like to say a special thank you to my grandfather Steve Conway, Jr. (WWII Veteran), my grandfather the late Willard Nysse (WWII Veteran), my dad Dan Conway (Vietnam Veteran), my Uncle Tim (Veteran of several conflicts, most recently returned from Iraq), my other grandfather the late Harold Haag (Korean War Veteran),  my dad Dan Conway (Vietnam Veteran),  my Uncle Tom (Vietnam Veteran), my Uncle Jim Falk, my Uncle Jerry Nysse, my Uncle Bob, and my father-in-law Dave Bartlett.  And to the two men (and their wives and children) I happen to know who are currently serving in Afghanistan, Eric Hardel and Josh Engel, thank you for your service, and may God bless you and bring you home safely!