What the word Veteran means to me?

The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language defines the word veteran as follows: 1. One who has a long record of service in a given activity or capacity. 2. One who has been a member of the armed forces. These words may encompass the basic principle of the word veteran, but they fall short of the true definition of Veteran. For me, the word veteran means so much more than that. Words like selfless, hard-working men and women who sacrifice their lives for this great country that we live in. Veterans knowingly and willingly put their lives into the path of danger. They are America’s finest citizens, not because of wealth. The honor of a veteran is unquestionable. They have fought and died for the nation and its citizens. They are heroes beyond any regard. Veterans do not die. It is simply said their actions echo through the halls of eternity. Our country is often shaped and formed by what happens in Washington, D.C., but America is truly defined out on the battlefield. Our honorable, courageous veterans dictate the pride of the United States. Their actions speak louder than politician’s speech will ever. Veterans will always be around, for there will always be a war to be fought. Veterans mean a lot to me, they protected this country when I was a mere infant. They were not just protecting this nation; they were protecting million children and me. To me, veterans deserve more than memorials and more than wealth, they deserved to be honored for being America’s finest.

Samuel L. VanGeison