Just before I headed to the Sun City Veterans Day service this morning, I called my dear ol' dad and thanked him for his 20 years of military service (1975 – 1995.) I think he appreciated it. I also e-mailed a friend who pulled three tours of duty in Iraq as a helicopter pilot. And, I can't but help think of another friend, Steve, who is in the mountains of Afghanistan right now with 7th Group out of Fort Bragg, N.C. He's supposed to be home in January.

While at the Sun City service, which was dedicated to those who served during the Korean War, I got a little choked up. It always happens. Corny perhaps, but I can't help it.

More than 54,000 Americans died in the conflict, which was actually never deemed an out-and-out war, but rather a "police action."

An inscription on the Korean War memorial in Washington D.C., says: "Our nation honors her sons and daughters who answered the call to defend a country they never knew and a people they never met."

I salute all those men and women who have proudly served our country. I would also like to thank the families of those service members. They too have paid a price.