The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.

Our U.S. Veterans Deserve Our Thanks

By Dessa Rodeffer - Quill Publisher/Owner

11 November 2015

Our American Veterans deserve a huge thank you for stepping out of their comfortable homes and going into the unknown to serve our country.

Some have endured much, others gave their all. There were those who were fortunate to have stayed in a safer environment than others who served, but all signed up not knowing where this might take them, and most have served their country with pride as they followed commands.

For those nights we slept in a warm bed, and they did not.

For those meals they missed, and we did not.

For those times they pushed themselves beyond their limits to get stronger, we do not....I say a humble "thank you" for having our backs.

I read an Admiral's speech to a graduating class of 8,000 in Austin, Texas last night.

He told them just 10 of the many many things he had learned that has helped him throughout life.

The last one was the fact there was a bell in the middle of the complex during Navy Seal training and anytime the overwhelming tasks of becoming a seal became too much, you could run out in the complex and ring the bell. In other words, you could quit.

There would be no more early hours, or going night and day without sleep, or bearing the freezing cold water to the bone, or facing sharks swimming under ships in the depths of the dangerous ocean. Just ring the bell.

The admiral advised, "Never ring the bell".

He recalled the 24 hours spent in the freezing mud up to their necks all night near the end of his training with his comrades. It was especially hard making it through that gut wrenching cold and several thought of the bell.

But with four hours left, one of the men started singing off-key and the superior officers yelled at him to "shut up", but each of the guys joined in the singing until they all were singing, making it through that awful ordeal.

Our comrade's off-key song was a glimmer of hope he said. Look for that hope, but never ring the bell.

There was many things veterans went through where they had to learned to survive and endure and push on during training that have made them strong soldiers, and good and honorable citizens.

It's not about being perfect but it's about being brave and about protecting the things we value most here - our precious America.

Maybe we can not thank our veterans enough, but maybe we can at least be better citizens here at home and do our part out of respect for what they've done to protect us.

Maybe we can get involved in community, make it a priority to vote on election day, listen to the debates, and find out who is the best person to lead this great country.

Maybe we can attend local board meetings, help out our neighbors with a task, push ourselves to do some tough things.

If you see something to complain about, ask what have you done to help make it better.

Being on the serving side and working hard in adverse situations will not only make our country stronger but it will also show our veterans, we are a grateful nation and it was worth it all.

It was great to have the West Central Middle School put on their annual Veterans tribute Tuesday...thanks!

As we head into the busy November-December holiday season, I hope each of us take time to extend a helping hand out to those who are elderly. Take time to listen to the all important stories and history they can share with you.

PPlan on coming to the Stronghurst Christmas Walk November 20th between 5 and 7 p.m. before you continue on the following week in celebrating a great America tradition: Thanksgiving.