Cheri,

I'm so glad to hear you feel like your dad is healing somewhat from his Vietnam experience. I really started thinking about how important Veteran's are when my grandfather went into the V.A. hosiptal. His military career was not a very big part of my life even though he retired from it. When I was a kid it was OU football, As the World Turns, and Ding Dongs.

At the V.A. they really celebrated the veterans though and all the men and women had pictures hanging outside their doors of when they were younger - like my age. That's when I realized how incredible these people are and how much a lot of them sacrificed for me - a person that didn't even exist at the time they were fighting.

What touches my heart the most is the fact that no one, young or old, should ever have to look death in the face or experience the loss of many friends at one time, yet that is what these people did at my age, some even younger. I do not know how they handled it because I know I couldn't. Their bravery is imeasurable and the duty they performed for their country is priceless.

You know, another thing that means a lot more to me now than ever before is the American Flag and the Star Spangled Banner. They both represent the most meaningful things in our country and the people who made it possible.

I'll tell you what else, I do not agree with war at all! I think it is so contradictory that it is illegal to kill someone because you disagree, yet that is what the bare basis of war is about! However, I have the Utmost respect for anyone who is willing to put themselves in danger not because they agree with the war but because they love our country, the rights we have as American citizens, and the freedom.

Isn't it wonderful that we've started to grow up a little bit and realize the things we should be truly thankful and appreciative for?

-Natalie