Rungo's Column

Veteran's Day is a proud day for all Americans. It amazes me the strength of these individuals to serve our country. For their bravery, courage and love of this country we are allowed to enjoy the subtle joys of our lives as Americans. While we may not always agree with the political causes I would hope everyone can see their way to honor and thank the men and women that serve our country in the armed forces.

I have never had the courage or desire to serve my country in this way and I admit it. A sign of weakness, perhaps. More realistically I'm the majority of Americans in their lack or servitude, but hopefully am also in the majority with the thankfulness for the men and women who dedicate the lives to this service.

On such a patriotic day I also wonder why we have some high profile Americans, who continue to ally themselves with leaders of countries that mock and defile the United States. Isn't there something wrong when actors such as Sean Penn and Danny Glover, who made millions of dollars acting in American films have the audacity to rub shoulders with Hugo Chavez.

I remember in the spring of 2002 I was on trip to Aruba. I played golf with 3 Venezuelans, only 1 spoke English. The horror of 9/11 still fresh in my memory I explained to my playing partner that terrorism while a worldwide epidemic, always seemed so distant to the United States. It didn't exactly feel like our problem, but they all changed in a hurry. I asked him of his experience with terrorism in his country. He shook his head and said the biggest problem was that the worst terrorist in his land was also the leader of his country.

Regardless of your political allegiance or your views a day like today is a day of thanks. Thanks to all the men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. We are proud of you and proud to live in the United States of America.