Sacrifices are given and made at home and in foreign lands. And though we may have different feelings as to why we are here, we still stand the watch. We perform our duties and roles to the best of our ability. We rely on our training and our experience to erase all doubts. We stand the watch. On the shore, in the sky or on the sea, we miss holidays because we know that they are a privilege not a guarantee. Each day is a blessing, each meal is a feast, and the time that we have with our family is a moment that we strive for. We stand the watch. Even though we miss our families, even though we may be wounded or killed and even though our children may grow up without a mom or dad, we our committed to the performance of our duty. We will continue to stand the watch.
When you look into the cold and distant eyes of some veterans know that behind those eyes is a world of pain. Know that he/she has witnessed horrors and atrocities that no one should ever have to witness. When you see a disabled vet struggling on how to use his/her new prosthetic limbs. Know that they have the determination of a lion. When you see a man/woman in uniform walking around with their family, the love that they share is one of loss and reunion and each second is cherished. Know that this family is strong. Through all the pain, the loss, the rebirth and the reunion We will always stand the watch. We stand the watch so that you don't have to. We gladly go in your place. When you see a veteran give them a hug for you have been properly relieved.
