While waiting at Bayou Chevrolet for my car to be serviced, an elderly couple entered the waiting room and sat next to me. After a short, casual conversation, the lady began reading a book, and her husband and I focused on the TV.  

When I got up to leave, the man stopped me and said, “I want to thank you for everything you did for us.” Puzzled, I replied, “You’re welcome, but what exactly did I do for you?”  We’ll be moving to Florida next week, and I thank you for all the years Get High on Life sponsored the Memorial Day Patriotic Breakfast.  

I found out this man’s name was David, 69 years old, and an Army veteran of 21 years who spent a year in Vietnam. I thanked him for his service, prayed with him, gave him a hug and wished him well.  

David made me realize that this weekend we celebrate Veteran’s Day, one of my favorite holidays. I love America and enjoy all the freedoms we have. On Sunday I was free to worship at the church of my choice. On Tuesday I was free to exercise my right to participate in the democratic process and vote for the person of my choice.

The L’Observateur allows me the privilege to express my views on every issue because of freedom of speech.

As we prepare to observe Veteran’s Day, let’s all reflect on the price many men and women paid for our freedom. Come to think of it, freedom is not free. Our veterans paid a price.

I’m always reminded to give thanks when I hear the words of the 19th century song written by Katharine Lee Bates:

O beautiful for spacious skies,

For amber waves of grain,

For purple mountain majesties

Above the fruited plain!

     

O beautiful for patriot dream

That sees beyond the years

Thine alabaster cities gleam

Undimmed by human tears!

America! America!

God shed His grace on thee

And crown thy good with brotherhood

From sea to shining sea!

May God continue to bless America, and may we take time throughout the year to thank the veterans.

    

If you have any questions or comments, please write to Get High on Life, P.O. Drawer U, Reserve, LA 70084, call 985-652-8477, or email hkeller@comcast.net.