Like many people, I take time out to observe Veterans Day. As a Veteran, I use the day to think about old friends and the bond we had while serving our country. Some of the best friendships I have were formed while serving in the military. Of all the jobs I’ve held, serving in the military is at the top.

I also take time out to pray for the military personnel who are serving today – and their families. I hope you will say a prayer for them, too.

Some years I watch ceremonies on television and in other years I attend local events. I planned on attending a Veterans Day ceremony on Thursday, but I can’t quite grasp the fact that someone who never served is one of the speakers. So I will stay at home – which is my little way of protesting.

I’m not saying that people who did not serve in the military are not patriotic. There are many who are and there are many ways to be patriotic. It’s also quite easy to be patriotic on a day like November 11. It’s easy to tell stories about Grandpa or your Uncle serving in World War II, or about your father’s service in Vietnam…to try to fit in.

On November 11 it’s easy to look a Veteran in the eye, slap them on the back, and say thank you for serving. What about November 12, November 13…

The basic fact is when we had a choice to serve our country in the military or not, we did.

So the central message in this column is that I like to see Veterans Day ceremonies with actual Veterans giving the speeches. Veterans are much more interesting than hearing a politician who never served using the event to campaign or to pat themselves on the back for a couple of votes they have taken for Veterans.

My glass is always half-full so I won’t let the little things ruin my day. My flag will still be flying proudly and I hope your flag will be displayed, too.

God bless our Veterans!