November 11: Veterans Day in The US, Armistice Day and Remembrance Day in UK, Canada and other countries.

A time to honor and recognize the men and women who have served to protect the freedoms for which we all have benefited – our freedoms,  and the freedom of people all around the world.

They have sacrificed, they did so for love of their countries, with a sense of honor and pride. Their devotion for the countries they served does not fade.  They are a noble group, a very small percentage of our population who answered the call to serve.

I did some research and found that those currently serving (active duty) in the US Military, all branches, comprises (.4%) less than ONE HALF of ONE PERCENT of the population of the United States. In 1970 during the Vietnam War it was only 1.4%.

Today there are 18.2 million veterans living in the US going back to WWII. So total the percent of US veterans still living is just 6.4% of the US population.

They truly are, and were, the select, the brave and the few who sacrificed so much for the protection and security of the 99.6% of the rest of us.

They are the shield standing between us and those who want to destroy us. My promise is to honor and remember them everyday and keep them always on my heart and in my prayers.

Photo Credit: UnSplash, Tim Mossholder