Veteran's Day

Veteran's Day, on November 11th, is a special day in so many ways. Originally known as Armistice Day, it marks the end of World War I which happened at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Dwight Eisenhower, while President in 1954, officially renamed the day to Veteran's Day so that it would honor all living and deceased U.S. Veterans for all wars.

I was born on Veteran's Day, longer ago than I would like to admit, but these days I find every one of these days to be a gift. Growing up, my Mom, Emagean, would tell me that they flew flags on this day to celebrate my birthday and for many years I believed her. She also told me she ordered me out the Sears and Robuck catalog (some of you won't even know what that is) and I believed that too. But now older, and much wiser, I realize that not everything she told me was true, but I think her heart was in the right place.

I share this day with the men and women who fought for our country - some of them survived, while others did not. I am grateful for their sacrifice, and the sacrifice others still give today. My Dad, Patrick Sevrean, served in the Korean War and was enlisted in the Coast Guard. He was a mere 17 years old when he went to serve his country, and the letters he shared with his parents are a telling tale of the young man who fought on that ship. So green behind the ears, as they say, and no clue of how those long days would unfold for a farm kid from rural Scribner, Nebraska. I miss him to this day.

Today, I am proud to say that I have other family members that served - my father-in-law, Gary Byrne, my brother-in-law, Brendan Byrne, and currently our son, Kelly Byrne. Kelly is stationed in Djibouti, Africa and it is his third deployment. We wish him safe travels back home (whenever that will be) and as grandpa Gary would say, "Trust in God, and keep your powder dry".

I ask you all to take a moment and observe this day so we can honor those who made the sacrifice for our beloved country. I pray for all of them with a grateful heart for all the freedoms I have. May God bless all of you and God Bless America.

Remember to be grateful.........

Until we talk again.............

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