Montana Veterans, We Salute You on this Veterans Day

As a son of a Veteran, I've always had great respect for those men and women who've served their nation in our military.  My father served in Vietnam and while he doesn't discuss his time there, I can see the lifelong scars of war.

He is one of the millions.

Millions of men and women willing to give everything to serve the country they love. I think about that often, to be 18 or 19 and decide that you want to do something bigger than yourself.  That takes an incredibly special person, one who is selfless, brave, and heroic.

Today we honor all Veterans, present, and past. We are grateful for their sacrifice and for their love of the greatest country ever known, the United States.

Montana certainly has its share of Vets.  In fact, we rank number two when it comes to states with the most veterans compared to the population.  Just over 10 percent of the population of Montana are Veterans according to data from the U.S. Census Bureau.  With just over 22 percent serving since 9/11 and almost 37 percent serving in the Vietnam era.  Of course, we can't forget the "Greatest Generation" with just under 2 percent of Montanans serving in the Second World War.

The history of Veterans Day goes back to 1921 and the end of the first World War.  It's the reason that we celebrate on November 11th, as the War ended on the 11th hour, of the 11th day and the 11th month.

There will be services and ceremonies in several cemeteries and on many courthouse lawns across Montana today. There's also several business here in Bozeman offering Veterans a thank you through free or discounted services: Applebee's, Dickies Bar B Q, Famous Dave's, IHOP, Little Caesars Pizza, Outback Steakhouse, Starbucks, Taco Johns, Wendy's, and Buffalo Wild Wings to name a few.

As we remember all those who are or have served, we thank you.

Credit: The Sun Times