Honor Veterans by Standing as OneI recently spoke at an event honoring veterans with the theme, “Stand as One.” As I pondered how to do this, a few thoughts came to my mind. - We honor our valiant veterans by exercising the freedoms for which they fought.
- We honor those who have taken up arms in defense of freedom by laying down our weapons of words.
- We honor our veterans by standing as one with them and for them — especially our wounded warriors, those struggling on our streets or battling mental illness, depression and despair. We must also stand as one with the families of our veterans, who carry awesome burdens, as well as the gold-star families of those who did not return.
- We honor our valiant veterans by standing as one, squaring our shoulders, linking arms and marching toward better days.
- We honor those valiant veterans who have served our country by standing as one — today.
Often in the rough-and-tumble of American politics, we forget what we are really fighting for. Sometimes the pundits of doom and gloom, and those who profit from rage and division, attempt to convince us that the shining city on a hill that America is supposed to be is nothing more than a mirage. I admit that 2020 has made it seem like that city on a hill is a very, very distant land.
It isn’t nearly as far away as we think. It is actually far closer than we imagine. It starts with each of us being willing to link and lock arms as we march toward it. Our veterans have shown the way. It is time for us to do our part.
Remember: See something that inspires. Say something that uplifts. Do something that makes a difference. All the best, | 
