In honor of Veteran's Day I have to share some personal reflections.

1. I am an American who has a soft heart for those who risk and give their lives for me. It comes first from my dad who served in WW II and always put his hat across his heart when the flag was raised. It also comes from one of the most significant events in my life. When I was in the 5th grade in Mrs. Mansir's class, her son was a 19 year old Marine in Vietnam. As a way to show patriotism we wrote letters to him and his platoon. I happened to write to him and another Marine, Robert Watson. I wrote two letters and received one hand written letter back from him. Before he could even read the second letter I sent, he was killed when he stepped on a landmine. At his funeral when the local paper took pictures, there was a photo of his casket with Mrs. Mansir weeping, kissing his coffin. The only other individuals in the picture were me and a Marine at attention in the background. That picture, that emotion is forever imprinted in my mind and heart.

2. All my life I have desired to be a man who lives the prayer that General Mac Arthur prayed for his son. "Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know when he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid; one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory. Build me a son whose wishbone will not be where his backbone should be". I have prayed this prayer for not only me but for my son, Ryan and now my grandson Parke Ryan.

3. My thoughts about leadership are similar on both points above. I believe leaders are people who are willing to sacrifice themselves for the benefit of others. It's called humility. I also believe that leaders are willing to profess and live out the prayer of General Mac Arthur. Every word.

So for those who have and are serving our country, thank you. May God bless you.

rb

Here is a short 3 minute video in tribute to those who have and are serving on this Veteran's Day.