I personally feel gratitude for the brave men and women who have served and serve in the US Military through out the year. Today, I particularly honor and thank all who served in the United States Armed Forces.

The words in President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “Veterans Day Proclamation” on October 8, 1954 are just wonderful.

“In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose. Toward this end, I am designating the Administrator of Veterans’ Affairs as Chairman of a Veterans Day National Committee, which shall include such other persons as the Chairman may select, and which will coordinate at the national level necessary planning for the observance. I am also requesting the heads of all departments and agencies of the Executive branch of the Government to assist the National Committee in every way possible.”President Dwight D. Eisenhower: “In order to insure proper and widespread observance of this anniversary, all veterans, all veterans’ organizations, and the entire citizenry will wish to join hands in the common purpose.”

On this Veterans Day 2014, with honor and respect to each and every Veteran, I thank you for your service. I am particularly grateful that my Dad, Sergeant Bruce Obrentz, 1st Battalion 13th Marines, Whiskey Battery returned from active duty in Vietnam in 1968.

May the families and loved ones of fallen troops and troops whose lives have been eternally altered be held in our hearts.