Honoring a Veteran and a Father

There are so many qualities of a man who risks his life and devotes himself completely and selflessly for the benefit of others. Today, 11/11/11 at 11:00, I want to honor my father who by blood is not my own but by selfless sacrifice stepped in to adopt me in place of the one who left me and made a pledge to be here for me as a supporter, encourager, and provider. Over 39 years of faithful dedication, he has been committed and diligent to keep his promise to be my father and now a grandfather. He has attended numerous sporting events, celebrated holidays, made it to most grandparents days and been an overall fabulous role model. Just about anyone can reproduce a child, but it takes a person of true honor and character who is selfless and sacrificial to stand by one not his own. Through the years, he has given help, assurance and love that surpasses my ability to express full gratitude. Over the years, I have learned so much about helping others and service through his careful consideration of what it means to have life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. He served in Vietnam, he worked relentlessly to get a degree, worked hard, took many risks and showed me what hard work and perseverance mean. His ability to sacrifice all of these things to benefit so many others is a true honorable mention. Thanks dad for the life you have given me and for the father and grandfather you are and for serving this country so well!