What’s the price of freedom? Today in the United States it is Veterans Day, a day we set aside to honor all of the selfless men and women who have served and continue to serve in our armed forces, often enduring considerable sacrifice and separation for our common benefit.
In many other places in the world, today is celebrated as Armistice Day and 2018 is special because it marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I, the war that many hoped would be the war to end all wars. The world is still a dangerous place and military forces, I believe, are a necessary element in ensuring national security.
I served for twenty years in the United States Army, so this posting is as much personal as it is patriotic. I have lived through periods of time when veterans have been reviled and other times when they have been honored.
I hope that you can join me today in thanking and saluting all veterans for their service and it is my sincere prayer that your sense of gratitude will continue long after the parades are over and the celebration are completed.
(I spotted this Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) last week at Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge and since it is one of the symbols of the United States, it seemed appropriate to feature the Bald Eagle in this posting.)
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Thank you for your service, Mike. The eagle is a great image to share today. We owe do much to the selfless men and women who served.
Thanks, Dan. As is often said, eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.
Thank you for your time in serving our Country! Beautiful picture of a great bird!
I do join you in those thanks, Mike, and special thanks to you for your service! Beautiful Eagle photos—I never get tired of seeing these majestic birds.
My sincerest thanks Mike, for your service and devotion to our country, and for this eloquent salute to veterans. Especially crisp and stunning bald eagle photo.
Thank you Mike for your service! Well said!
Didn’t know you were a veteran, Mike. Thank you for serving.
Amen!
Wonderful photos and tribute for Veterans Day, Mike. 20 years is a long career; thank you for your commitment, and for sharing your thoughts about the ups and downs of public perspective toward service people over the years.
20 years! Wow, thank you and thank you again. I like the wind in the eagle’s head feathers. Nice.