Thank You Veterans!"

Sylvester Stallone, John Wayne and Chuck Norris have all portrayed the American serviceman at one time or another. They showed a persona of a "super hero" in their performances, able to do all types of unbelievable acts, against insurmountable odds. Fearless and larger than life is the Hollywood perception of those who take the field of battle for America in time of conflict.

What are the real American Soldier, Sailor, Marine and Airman actually like? When I was in the service, I never met any Rambos'. Most were average guys, with average families, from average American towns and cities. I would like to talk about two American servicemen today.

Alvin C. York, born on December 13, 1887 in Pall Mall, Tennessee. Alvin York: was quite a carouser and drinker in his youth; he was arrested several times for drunken brawling. Alvin was a handful, yet when his father died in 1911, he dedicated himself to the welfare of his family. Alvin's mother was a "Pacifist Protestant", a devout Christian and churchgoer. During a revival meeting in 1914, Alvin experienced a conversion, dedicating his life to Jesus and His words. Alvin didn't ask to be a "hero", he said in an interview, "I was worried clean through, I didn't want to go and kill. I believed in my bible." The man who didn't want to "go and kill" became the most decorated soldier of WWI. York, single handed, killed 28 Germans and captured an additional 132 more. This "dirt poor" bible reader received the Congressional Medal of Honor. He started out as a plain American, who rose to the occasion!

Audie Murphy, born on May 20, 1924 in Hunt County Texas, the sixth of twelve children to a share cropper father who deserted his family early in Audie's life: Audie took over the role of father to his younger siblings. He worked for $1.00 a day, picking cotton and plowing fields to support his family. Audie was known as a "crack shot" to all his neighbors. He told a friend, "Well, Dial, if I don't hit what I shoot at, my family won't eat today." Murphy's experiences during WWII were captured in the film "To Hell and Back", which documented his life. There were stories of Murphy leaving the set to weep after certain scenes; he was greatly affected. Murphy also received the Congressional Medal of Honor, along with 32 additional United States medals and citations, plus honors and medals from other allied nations. He was the most decorated soldier of WWII. He was a share cropper's son, who came from poverty to become a legend; another plain American.

In November of 1919, Woodrow Wilson declared November eleventh as "Armistice Day", to honor those who served in the "Great War for Civilization"," the war to end all wars". In 1954, Dwight D. Eisenhower declared the re-naming of "Armistice Day" to "Veterans Day", to honor all who have served their country. Giving thanks to veterans is something every American should do, regardless of where they stand ideologically. Every day of our lives in America are here, courtesy of the men and women who have chosen to take that step forward and put themselves second to the welfare and safety of the people of the United States of America. If you know a veteran, make it a point to say thank you to them; they put it all on the line for you.

(No blog tomorrow, I'm taking a day off, it's a holiday!)