Remembering Our Veterans

Over the years I have been fortunate enough to receive hundreds of speaking invitations.

There are two situations, even after all these years, I still find intimidating.

One is any speaking engagement at a church. I know God is everywhere, but I consider a church to be holy ground.

The other situation I find intimidating is to speak before a group of veterans.

They are the bravest of the brave. Strongest of the strong. They've let their actions do the talking.

They are simply the best.

Anytime I am among them, I am honored.

Their sacrifice, and the sacrifice of their families, is to be given the greatest of respect.

I have had the privilege of emceeing veterans-related events across our viewing area. It is impossible for me to find words that give enough thanks to them, praise them enough or give them enough credit.

This Veterans Day 2009, I have been pleased to see more signs at churches and businesses along the routes I travel, thanking our veterans.

The Piedmont Blood Center held its Hometown Heroes Blood Drive today at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium. Veterans were among the hometown heroes being honored.

I decided nothing was getting in the way of me donating blood today. Not the rain. Not the temptation to be lazy on a rainy morning. Not the many other things needing my time. I could've donated blood any day, but there was something special to me about donating on Veterans Day.

I thought of all the blood that has been shed for the protection of our great country.

No one handed us this United States of America. It was won with blood. It is preserved with blood.

No one understands this more than our veterans.

In Tuesday's Spartanburg Herald Journal, there were two obituaries for veterans. Their obits are denoted with an American flag.

Hardly a day goes by without a veteran's obit in the paper.

We did a good number of Veterans Day stories on News Channel 7 over the past week or so, and I was proud we did.

I am proud of my father, Chester Crabtree, who served in the Army. My late uncle Tom Thompson was a Marine. Other uncles and cousins have served in the military too.

My wife's late father, Kenneth Lee Eagle, Sr., served in the Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge. I never met him, but I am honored to be part of his family, and I know his children are proud of him.

Veterans Day 2009, our military is still fighting to preserve our freedom and help win it for others.

Let us never forget.

Thank you, veterans, past, present and future.