On this Veteran's Day, I'll be thinking of the vets in my family. My brother, who served during the Vietnam era, and my father, who served during World War II. Dad arrived in Japan soon after the bombs had been dropped. In fact, he had a watch that still emitted radiation decades after he was there.

But I was lucky. My father came home. He told me so many amazing stories about his stay in the army, they were part of the father-daughter bedtime “tuck-in” ritual. Japan was also where he began a long and successful career in radio. He was the program manager for one of the armed forced radio outlets there. Thanks to the GI Bill, he was able to continue his career in broadcasting once he returned home.

I know Mom and Dad lost many friends in the war. In fact, my father lost his best friend. He spoke of Fran Cunningham often. My parents knew so many of their classmates from Stoughton High who never returned. To lose so many young people in a lifetime seems unimaginable.

So on this Veteran's day, let's remember to acknowledge the men and women who have served, and those whose lives have been forever altered by the tragedy of war. Whether it was World War II, Korea, Vietnam, The Persian Gulf or Iraq and Afghanistan, all veteran's should be thanked for their sacrifice and their dedication.