Veterans Day 2011

This Friday (11/11), our country will be honoring its veterans.  This is an excellent opportunity for us as citizens to reflect on some things.  Most importantly, that "freedom isn't free".  Yes, this sounds cliche, but truer words are rarely spoken.  Just ask someone living in Cuba, the Middle East, or any other oppressive region on the planet.

One of the unfortunate side effects of living in the freest country in the world is that we take our freedom for granted.  And we often live our lives without giving any thought to those who have risked theirs in the past, or those who are doing so right now, so that we can live ours out peacefully.

So here's my challenge to you over this long weekend:  Find someone that you know (parent, grandparent, uncle, friend of the family, coach, teacher, boss, etc.) who has served, and thank them for their service.  After doing so, ask them if they would like to share some things with you about how they served.  When you return on Monday, turn in a paper at the beginning of class that includes at least some of the following:

• What branch they belonged to
• What their duties consisted of
• How long they served
• Where they served
• What made them decide to serve (or if they were drafted)
• Any interesting stories they might have shared.
• How/why you are thankful for their service as well as the service of all those who have risked their lives
• What the phrase "freedom isn't free"  means to you

Your write-up should be hand-written and one page in length.  Again, it is due at the beginning of class on Monday (11/14).  Should you step up to this challenge, I will make it worth your while.