Never forget

Red badge of courage
London, ON, November 2009

I tweeted this earlier today as I walked the dog in my quiet neighborhood and pondered the kinds of not-quite-adventures my suburban existence would serve up before bedtime:

The price for freedom is paid not only on Nov 11th. Their sacrifice will be just as meaningful - and worthy of thanks - tomorrow.

I shared this from the comfort of my BlackBerry because I admit more than a little discomfort at the once-a-year outpouring of affection for our veterans. I know it's human nature to store it all up and then blast it all out in one brief day - witness Christmas, birthdays and wedding anniversaries - but I still find it sad that we share our thanks, thoughts and feelings so rarely.

If anything, we should celebrate our heritage, our lives and our connections with those who matter most each and every day. We have what we have because countless heroes among us have made - and continue to make - unthinkable sacrifices. Indeed, my walk with the dog this morning was made possible by complete strangers decades ago who stood in Hitler's way and ensured the darkness racist totalitarianism didn't shade the entire planet.

For them and all who have followed, I think I can at least give it some thought the other 364 days of the year, as well.

Your turn: You're thankful because...?

About this photo: We're winding down this week's red theme (head here if you'd like to share.) Tonight at 7:00 EDT, I'll post the next Thematic Photographic theme, travel.