LaVerne, California is a small town just outside Los Angeles and just across the street from the LA County Fairplex and the NHRA track.  It’s a quaint place with tree lined streets; Craftsman style homes; tree lined streets and mom and pop shops.

A first glance, you might think that LaVerne is just a stereotypical “liberal” anti-military California town.  But a closer look reveals that no matter what their political leanings, this is a town proud of its veterans.  Hanging on the lamp posts are banners bearing the names and service of those serving their country.

Wouldn’t it be great if every American city honored those who serve with this same sense of pride?

At the Dallas-Fort Worth airport on Tuesday, those waiting to board two American Airline flights stood and applauded as Soldiers in uniform were allowed to board with the first class passengers.    That was a great show of respect and appreciation for the great young men and women who serve our Nation today.  They are remarkable and we are so blessed to have them.

I come from a family of veterans.    My father served in the Marine Corps as a radio operator during the Korean War.  My Uncle Paul was a Marine who fought in the South Pacific during World War II.  These two proud Marines inspired my own service in the Army.

My father-in-law was in the Coast Guard and piloted a landing craft on D-Day.    All of my uncles served in either the Army or the Navy.   And I am married to an Army veteran.

I remember the long year my cousin Dave served in Vietnam as a member of the Marine Corps.  The entire family was involved in writing Dave and sending him packages of Buckeys, Sea Foam Candy, and German Chocolate cake packed in used coffee cans to keep them fresh.    We all shared the worry, especially when Dave was wounded.  He survived his wounds but today he is a disable veteran suffering from his time there. 

My Veterans Day will be spent working.  But I’ll be thinking of Dad, Uncle Paul, Dave, my father-in-law and the millions who have served.   I’ll also remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country and who have inspired those of us who have served.

I am proud to have served in the uniform of my country.  I am proud to be a veteran.