veteran’s day 2014

Right now there are billions of people around the world, who, whether they realize it or not, largely owe any freedoms they have (INCLUDING HEALTHCARE), to the blood of American soldiers — virtually all spilled on foreign soil (HERE is an example). Over the course of my 23 years in practice, I have treated slews veterans and heard hundreds upon hundreds of their amazing stories. While attending chiropractic school in St. Louis, I actually had the privilege of living next door to a WWI vet (the last US veteran of the ‘War to End all Wars‘ died in 2011). 

I still treat a few WWII Vets, but unfortunately most are now gone (HERE, HERE, and HERE).  The vast majority of our Korean Vets are gone as well (a recent patient was an Airborne Ranger there — one of the “Frozen Chosin“, who told me it was so cold in North Korea that there were times when the air itself was actually blue).  The reality is that even our youngest Vietnam Vets are 60, and those who served in the first Gulf War are at least 40. 

Today is about celebrating principles that are far more noble and lasting than politics — the principles of freedom, courage, liberty, sacrifice, duty, and honor.  Whatever your political persuasion, whichever party you happen to belong to, or however you feel about the politics behind some of our nation’s wars; today is the day to put all that aside and remember our veterans.  When you get a chance, be sure to thank a VET for their service to our country (a special shout out for my friend MURRAY ANDERSON)!