I want to personally thank every Veteran and their families of the Armed Forces of the United States for their unwavering courage, their sacrifices, their honor, and their valor in keeping this country safe. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice, and I want to thank their families in their stead.

Our Veterans have stood their post, have fought for freedom, have maintained our defence, and have provided the security that we sleep so soundly under each night since the time of our Independence, and for that we are grateful.

I want you to know how proud I am, especially for those men and women who have served and who are continuing to serve in Iraq and Afghanistan. With your blood, you have paved the way for freedom in those nations.

May God protect and keep you until you return home.

Please remeber to thank a Veteran today!

We found a story in the Washington Times, which we would like to relay to you here. The story is entitled, Empty table honors all U.S. MIAs, POWs. It is a great story, and it promotes what might be a new tradition in the US. It could be used to honor our fallen heroes in a way which will help our children remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice to insure our freedom and democracy today.

Our thanks to Bruce Smith, who originally wrote it for the Associated Press. Here is the story:

“MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. — The table is set with a white tablecloth, a black napkin and white candle, and a plate with only a slice of lemon and salt. An empty chair leans against the table.

The tradition, little known to the general public, of setting an empty table (Read the rest of the story below the fold...)