To the editor:

On behalf of The Military Order of the Purple Heart and The Combat Infantrymen’s Association here in Southwest Florida I would like to salute and honor all our veterans by thanking you for your “No Greater Love” service to our nation on this honored Veterans Day.

Through the years, whether in peacetime or war, we will not allow your sacrifices to this great nation, to go unrecognized here in Southwest Florida and around our nation. As a veteran you wrote a blank check made payable to “The United States of America,” for an amount up to and including your life.

We all know that for those who fought for it FREEDOM has a flavor the protected will never know.

As stated, “Our debt to our heroic and valiant men and women in service to our country as veterans can never be repaid. You all have earned our undying gratitude.”

Wording displayed on many of our Purple Heart Monuments honoring our combat wounded and killed in action veterans. “My stone is red for the blood they shed. The medal I bear is my country’s way to show they care. If I could be seen by all mankind maybe peace will come in my lifetime.”

Again, a hand salute and thank you to all for your service, not just on this Veterans Day, but every day.

Jack Wagner, Commander

The Military Order of the Purple Heart

Chapter 696 (Lee. Collier & Hendry Counties)

The Combat Infantrymen’s Association. Inc.

(States east of the Mississippi River)