While I was performing at the DuPage County Historical Museum's Tribute to America's Veterans last Thursday evening, I had to honor to hear some great speakers. Col. Jack Amberg, US Army gave a touching tribute, honoring the past four-Medal Of Honor recipients. Col. Amberg told four-stories of selfless acts of courage on the battlefield and love for God, country and their fellow troops. He also reminded the audience of the sacrifices made and great direction given to us by our forefathers.

560-AM WIND radio personality and patriot, Cisco Cotto performed the "master of ceremony" duties and stayed all night to meet and greet everyone who wanted to talk with him.

The most thought-provoking words came from Kitty Weiner of US Congressman, Peter Roskam's office. Peter was speaking on the floor of the US Congress Thursday night and asked Kitty to represent him at this event. Kitty's point just hit me in the heart. She said; "Is saying 'thank you' to our veterans enough? I taught my children to say 'thank you' when someone passes the salt and pepper, or when they receive compliments, but is 'thank you' enough when we say that to our troops?"

As Kitty continued, I looked around the room; WWII Veterans, Korean War Veterans, Vietnam Veterans and a young sailor who had recently returned from Kuwait, sitting with his Vietnam Veteran father and his mother, all listened. Some were holding their wives hand. Others had their eyes closed in deep thought, but the point that "thank you" is just not enough is soooooo true.

WWII Veterans saved the world! Korean War Veterans stop the spread of communism, and Vietnam War Veterans took one for all of us while it took 15-years for us to finally welcome them home. It is a fact that a lot of the Vietnam Vets are behind the push to support the troops today. They knew what it was like to come home to "nothing," or to "boos" and "jeers."

"Thank you" really isn't enough, but it is my experience that when I say "thank you" to one of our troops, they shrug it off and act as if I have embarrassed them, and that is so endearing to me. They always say, "I was just doing my job, that's all."

Kitty added; "I wish there was another word we had in the English Language; a word that meant more, a new word that meant 'thank you' - 1,000,000 times over, ... but there isn't.'

I guess a simple "thank you" will have to do. Please thank a Veteran this week, ... walk up to him, shake his hand and say; "Thank you for everything you have done for me and all of America." It isn't hard to do and trust me, you'll feel great inside. Please, never forget your freedoms, all of your freedoms, are because of the sacrifices of our great veterans.

I know my brothers and sister and my daughters and I have slept in peace every night since the day we were born, because of our Veterans and our troops. People in other countries cannot say that.

I also want to thank my friend, my brother and Vietnam Veteran Jack Shiffler, USMC for the beautiful, surprise introduction of me the other night. What a wonderful treat to see him at the event, 20-years after we first met. Jack, along with one of my other heroes in life, Bob Kolling, are two of the Vietnam Veterans that inspired my song, "They're All Not On The Wall." (www.Itunes.com)

A special "thank you" to Mike Yauger, Bob Kolling, Gerald Johnson, Jack Shiffler, Mark Stanish, Al Curtis, Ed Bartt, Joe Jones, Jim Bender, John Genitti, Bobby Fergusen, John Olivero and Carleen Arinello ... a few of the many Veterans who have touched my life over the past few years.


Gold Star Mom, Danna Palmer sent this below clip for everyone to enjoy. It's a special tribute to our Vietnam era Veterans. http://chu65nang67.us/nam/vietnam.html. Danna also sends her best wishes to all of our Veterans.

God bless our Veterans, without you, there is no freedom.

If you can read and write, thank a teacher, ... if it's in English, thank a Vet!