NEWS FROM THE PANTHER DEN

This week's reflection is the announcement I read over the loud speaker on Monday morning.

Veterans Day is a day in which we recognize not just those who have given their lives for war but for all those who have worn the uniforms of service. It is a day in which we celebrate and honor the choice one makes to serve their country and to protect something that is not permanent but something that we all take for granted that it is…..……our freedom.

It is because of the service of our veterans that we have an opportunity to live in a country where we have the ability to think freely, to have our own beliefs, to make memories, to have our own friends, to have the ability to be educated, to be able to serve others and make our country the best country in the world. To me, freedom is a sense of hope, a sense of commitment, a sense of pride. Freedom is the beat of every American’s heart. You cannot see, feel, touch or hear freedom, but like a heartbeat, freedom would not exist with the blood, sweat, tears and sacrifices of those who stand with me on stage today and the men and women who lived their lives in service to our country.

Whether it was the world wide conflict of World War I and II, peacemaking missions all over the world, the tense standoff of the Cold War, maneuvering through the jungles of Vietnam or Korea, the deserts of Iraq, the mountains of Afghanistan or protecting our own land, the veterans that walk among us are true heroes. They deserve our honor, our respect and our gratitude…..not just today…..but everyday for their service to our country and for their dedication to protect our freedom.

This week, people throughout the country gathered together to remember, to honor, and to pay gratitude to those who have served our country. As future leaders of our country, I challenge you to think how you can serve others. It is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. As you get older, you can make the decision to serve our country. But your service can start now……why, because our freedom allows it. Fundraise for a charity, take part in a local clean up, visit the elderly, rake leaves for a neighbor, write cards to soldiers overseas, tutor a friend who needs help in a subject, donate time at an animal shelter or a food pantry. Stand for something. Robert Kennedy said that each time someone stands up for an ideal or acts to improve the lot of others or strikes out against injustice they send forth a ripple of hope. Our veterans have given us hope, and for that, we are grateful. I would especially like to recognize two veterans who are part of our staff, Mr. Murek and a Mr. Richnavsky. We thank them for their service.

Thank you to all those who have sacrificed so that we may live the land of the free and the home of the brave!