Dear Veteran,
 Your service to our country sets you apart from others in more ways than people can probably imagine.
While most people spent their youth in other pursuits, you chose an opportunity to serve a cause much greater than yourself.
Just as I and so many others have, you raised your right hand, swore an oath to "...support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God."
And like me, as the years passed, you became wiser as the true meaning of those words became more evident. As we became the examples younger soldiers, sailors, or airmen would follow, our own families grew and shared the sacrifices we made for the sake of our country. Perhaps we didn't always agree with our leaders, but we knew our service was important to our country as a whole.
 I think that's why veterans view days such as today, Veterans Day, as more than just another federal or bank holiday. We see it as an opportunity to reflect on our service to America and to honor the memory of those who gave everything in the service to the country we love so much.
Today, we pause to remember our brothers and sisters, those who might live just down the street or those still serving, who took the same oath to serve our great nation-a nation that has been a beacon of hope for so many throughout the world.
Whenever a disaster struck or freedom was at risk, the entire world has looked to our country for leadership, assistance, and the "can do" attitude that has been the hallmark of the American military since the founding of our nation.
 Everyone who has already taken that oath knows what those yet to take it will realize one day. That while our term of service may have been 2, 4, 10, 20 years or more, the oath we swore to our country has no expiration date. Those words we all recited helped define who we are, what we stand for, and what we try to share with the next generation.
So to every veteran, I thank you and salute your service and sacrifice to our great nation.
With warmest Regards,
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