One night, we wanted to make stuffed mushrooms with minimal calories. We tossed some onions, vegetarian crumbles, a roasted red pepper, and onion straws together in the pan and stuffed it into baked mushrooms. Sprinkled it with some artisanal pecorino cheese, boom, we’re good to go. Paired with a complex Coten du Rhone, life is complete.

We live in a fast paced world where we rarely slow down and I’m convinced that this is why we have national holidays. We need to be reminded to think, ponder, and speculate. On Veterans Day, I wonder, what would this country be if we did not have those who are willing to serve and sacrifice for the common good. Would Japan have taken over? Would all Jews have perished during the Holocaust? Would Sadam still roam about? Would my mother be who she is today had she not been an army brat and lived in Japan, Albuquerque, and Las Vegas? Would her brother be a different person had he not served? Would my grandfather be as wise as he was had he not served? Would I not have a caring, strong and focused man in my life had he not served?

I ask myself these questions on a daily basis. I am grateful for those who serve, defend and protect; they have given us a priceless gift, freedom. I’m also grateful to those close to me who have served. Without the experience, they would not be who they were or are today. Thank you.

Photo credit: Drew Cramer