As a veteran of our great nation's Navy, I count it an honor to be in the company of some of the finest people I've ever met today. I shared coffee and a belly-aching laugh with a grandpa the served in the Air Force. My son's teacher and I compared notes and laughs on the Navy vs. Army. And I even got to sing Anchors Aweigh with a fellow shipmate that served long before digital camo was conceived. We too laughed because we actually knew ALL the words after so many years away from our beloved branch.

I was humbled that we as vets are thought of enough to celebrate what we consider just doing our job for the country we love. The kids I encountered today were in awe that there was more than one option and that everyone isn't just thrown into the same branch with all the same job. But one of the best treats of the day was getting a handful of cards from my kiddos I teach in after school. It dawned on me that they felt the same way that I did about my many cousins and uncles that served. My heart melted...

So as I reflect on how special the kids and school made me feel, my hope and prayer is that those I thank for paving the way for me will feel the same.

So thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for serving, and most important....thank you for the opportunity and pleasure to get to know ALL the veterans I've met over the years.