Our society today is a fast pace pressure cooker. So fast, sometimes we forget to stop and say thank you.
Veteran's Day is a time to do that. I'd like to say thank you to Army Sgt. David J. Hart who died about five years ago in Iraq at the age of 22. Over twenty years ago our families were close, and we spent many good times in the Hart household. I knew David as a boy and watched him grow up. He was full of life and passion. Hart was awarded a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for his valor on the day he fell in battle. He was a squad leader, and when he realized one of his men was injured, he went to give first aid and was mortally wounded himself. A soldier from his unit described him as, "always positive with a very contagious attitude and outlook, always on top. He would sacrifice to help others succeed." Yes, that was David. It is important not to forget. It is important to say thank you.
There are many ways to say Thank You to a veteran. You can attend a parade, make a phone call, write a note, put on a school program, or build a Veteran's home like the residents of Linn County recently voted to do. The new veteran's home will be the second one in the state of Oregon, and it will be located right next to Pioneer School. I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see it getting developed day after day. What an opportunity it will be to say Thank You year after year to those who have served our nation and the free world. I am looking forward to an outstanding partnership with the home over the years.
Freedom is not free. Someone paid the price. Anyone can say thank you.
