Veteran’s Day is a time to reflect on sacrifice, honor, duty, dedication, war, and peace, but for me it’s also a day filled with thoughts of my dad and how much I miss him. I know my sisters feel the same, as does the rest of our family. For anyone who’s lost a loved one who was a veteran, this day brings their memory close. I think of my Grandpa Byer, my uncles Ted Byer, Cliff Byer, Larry Byer, and Jim Wolfe, and my cousin Larry Wolfe…all gone now, but thankfully not lost in war. I remember those in World War II who couldn’t serve in combat but contributed at home in the shipyards and Rosie the Riveters, like my Aunt Ruth Wolfe, Aunt 
Laura Fredrick, and Uncle Bill Spencer…who was kept from service by a hernia and flat feet. And I think of so many others…too many to name…who have fought and returned, and those still serving to protect our nation and prevent terrorism around the world.
Their sacrifice is beyond measure, a debt we can never repay. Every day in service, they work without knowing if they’ll return to their loved ones or if this will be the day a bullet, rocket, or bomb claims them. They face fear as if it’s their constant companion, and yet they know it’s no friend at all. They push past that fear and do their job because it’s necessary—because they are necessary…without them, our nation stands unprotected. Most of us sleep peacefully at night, confident in what tomorrow will bring, because we live in a country where freedom is for everyone. But we must remember, it doesn’t come free. Over the years, we’ve lost countless young lives to war…young people who were our hope for the future, full of promise, with plans and dreams…all gone now.
War is a terrible thing, and none of us truly wish to take part in it. Yet, evil exists and works tirelessly to bring chaos to the world. If we stand by and do nothing, countless innocent lives will be lost. That’s why God created 
soldiers…people of honor and dedication, with a strong sense of duty and love for others. They are individuals of courage and bravery, able to push back the fear surrounding them. God knew they would have to be heroes, and that’s exactly what every veteran is, was, and always will be. Today, we honor those who have sacrificed so much to keep us free. Thank you for your service, and God bless every one of you.
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