Veterans Day

To commemorate Veterans Day we'd like to pass along these thoughts that Lieutenant Kevin Sykora posted today as he prepares to head to Iraq. He writes:

"So many emotions are running through my mind today. I'm scared. Scared that I'll die fighting for something people stopped caring about. I'm lonely. I'm surrounded by people all the time, but I feel completely isolated. I realize that I'm not the only single Army guy (hell, most of us are single once we get back from war) but I feel utterly alone. I feel foolish for believing all the rhetoric about doing the right thing from men who've never done the right thing (how many congressmen are veterans?). I'm proud. When most people are running from terror, I boldly stand my ground. For the rest of my life, Veteran's Day will be a bittersweet irony.

The real irony of Veteran's Day is how we all say "happy Veteran's Day." The process of becoming a veteran isn't a happy one. The process is terrifying."

Thanks for your perspective, Kevin. You have our appreciation and support.

Check out our video series on the new generation of American veterans.

Image from McClatchy.