In a world where problems seem to amass to insurmountable heights and individuals believe they have been unfairly stricken with what they are forced to face, we pause to remember why we are allowed to allow such *relatively* trivial details consume the entirety of our consciousness. Relative to what? Relative to the problem of having your life dangling from a shoestring. Relative to opening your eyes each morning wondering who in the room will not do the same the following morning. Relative to the fatal irony of having to take a stranger’s life simply to prevent him from taking yours all the while knowing that the same thought is going through his mind. Relative to the suffering and feelings of guilt that last a lifetime for those who manage to survive. Relative to having the images of your closest comrades imitate the most gruesome R rated movies every time you close your eyes. Relative to the suffering of the loved ones of every one of those that were not fortunate enough to survive. Relative to the realities of war.

Why did these brave men and women endure such hardships? They fought so that none others would have to endure what they did. They fought to ensure freedom for their successors. They defended peace in our land and fought to end conflict in another land. They did NOT fight to aggress and create conflict Mr. Bush…oops, that’s another issue.

Remember and give thanks often; just do it for a little longer on November 11th. Thanks again Grandad!