Veterans are proud to be American

Men and women of our country have served bravely in our nation's military. From all walks of life, these courageous individuals have dedicated themselves to the protection of our country. Their heroic actions reflect a strength of spirit that mirrors the sacrifice of those who helped found our great nation.

The greatest generation fought World War II across Europe and the Pacific. There are the soldiers, sailors, marines and airmen of the forgotten war in Korea. The unpopular war in Southeast Asia brought scorn and condemnation to veterans of that war. Our military is engaged in Iraq and Afghanistan and is at war, but our nation is not. It is up to history to provide a definition or name for the war on terrorism.

What is a veteran? Regardless of age, race, creed or education, there is one basic underlying trait in almost every one. Belief! Regardless of the campaign or the state of the military, peace or war, each veteran willingly took an oath to defend this nation against all enemies at a cost up to and including his or her life.

They believe freedom is not free and the defense of freedom is worth the sacrifice demanded of them and their families. Every veteran believes in this nation. A veteran is proud to be an American.

I am an American veteran and proud of it.

LTC (Ret) Nathan K. Reed

U.S. Army

Marion