Because you saw what was happening and did not ignore it,
Because you did not turn away when other countries were helpless,
Because you signed up when they asked you to,
Because you saw the world’s need as greater than your own comfort,
Because you suffered indescribable horrors in war,
Because your mother lived in fear of losing her child,
Because your wife shared her beloved husband with others,
Because your children allowed their arms to be pried from around your neck,
Because you knew you may not come home but you went anyway,
Because many of you did not come home and those that did were never the same,
Because of you I live. I laugh. I love. I read. I walk free. I work. I think. I speak. I believe. I am not afraid.
You are my hero.