Wow, October just flew past! I’m looking out the window right now as Utah gets its first powdery snowflakes of the season, and I’m thinking about the speech I’ll be giving on Thursday for Veterans’ Day. Like all of us, I immediately think of men and women I have personally come to know who are serving our country, or have served, or have given their all. Some are at Walter Reed, some are trying to blend into civilian life, some are the walking wounded, and all have scars of all kinds. I have just totaled up the number of great Americans who have given their lives since the Revolutionary War…1,009,789…what a price. Every year, we pause as a nation to specifically remember this cost. But what can we do to really remember, really honor our heroes? I get asked that a lot actually, and I wish I knew the perfect answer. I’ve got some ideas, though. First, say “thank you.” If you see someone in uniform, or, find out he or she served, just say “thank you for your service.” If they went to Vietnam, tell them “welcome home,” too. Second, check out great American organizations like TAPS (www.taps.org), or Operation Homefront (www.operationhomefront.net), or Soldiers’ Angels (www.soldiersangels.org). There is always a way to make a difference. And third, always vote. That is our most fundamental American right that lives have been lost for, and if we don’t vote, we snub those who have sacrificed everything. And let’s go further than casting a vote…either run for an office, or support someone who is gutsy enough to do that. No one should be on the sidelines in America…everyone should be in the game. That’s democracy, and that’s what our Veterans fought for. If you wore the uniform, or if you are a family of a veteran, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE!! Sharlene