“Warriors have been rewarded for their service or their families have been provided support, since the beginning of organized society. From the veterans of Egypt in the third millennium B.C. through the Crusaders of medieval Europe, to veterans of today, governments have compensated their military personnel or their survivors, for loss of life, wounds, injuries, or length of service in defense of the state.
Virtually all nations throughout history have provided some form of reward to war veterans or their survivors. With treasuries depleted by war or because of a faltering state administration, governments have not always provided financial [support] or heath care. Disabled veterans were often reduced to begging, and they occasionally rose in arms against the governments they once defended.
Readjustment back into civilian life has posed problems for veterans and the societies to which they returned for thousands of years. As nations grappled with these problems they created programs which not only helped the former soldier, but often helped all citizens. This is the historical legacy to which todays veteran programs can lay claim.”
(– Taken from a placard at the V.A. regional office N.Y.C. and provided by my Veteran friend Jose)
Contoveros 
If you know anyone that can make use of this link, please pass it on to families of veterans.
Arlington at Christmas
Rest easy, sleep well my brothers.
Know the line has held, your job is done.
Rest easy, sleep well.
Others have taken up where you fell, the line has held.
Peace, peace, and farewell…
http://www.freedomisnotfree.com/rememberingfallensoldiers/poems.php
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Thank you, there’s a lot there to share.
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Michael?
Thank you for my freedom.
Love,
L.
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Wow, L. I am very touched. You’re welcome of course.
But to be honest with you, I never saw myself as a “warrior” or someone protecting some “freedom,” or anything like that. I’m only a guy who got caught up in the draft and was simply doing his duty.
Thank you!
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I know that Michael…
I have read.
I think what I wanted you to know most is that your life and your service has meant so much to so many people even if they have not been able to tell you so directly.
I do my duty each day of my life – I work to provide a home for my children, put food on their plates – clothe them and provide for their needs…
I have the freedom and the support to do so because of people like you – people who value human life and protect it – and do so out of duty…a responsibility to their country and the families who are fortunate enough to live there (here).
We all do what must be done – you have done so on a scale that many of us will never be able to comprehend.
That is why I say ‘thank-you’ Michael.
I am truly grateful.
L.
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You words fill me with joy. Thanks again
michael j
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