When I was a boy of 11 or 12, I heard the president ask me, to ask not what my country could do for me, but what I could do for my country.
A decade later I found myself in a combat zone, like many others in my age cohort as well as millions who served before and after my time.
Some gave all, and all gave some.
Today on this Veterans Day, in an era where the meaning of patriotism seems confused, I say look not to those who shirked their duty, but wrap themselves in the flag, calling those who served suckers, but instead look to those who have rolled up their sleeves,
… and gotten vaccinated, not just for themselves but in defense of the nation and humanity itself. This second group are today’s true patriots.