Thanks to a couple of local businesses, this year’s Veterans Day Parade was rescued from the knee-jerk disregard that so many local progressives have for all things military. In my opinion, these self-proclaimed “enlighted” folk seem to miss the point that celebrating veterans is not the same as condoning war. Veterans are men and women who sacrified years of their lives, and often a lot more, to serve their country, which means you and me. Full disclosure: I’m a vet, and, no, I’m not looking for any special gratitude. I enlisted 45 years ago looking for adventure, for an opportunity to see the world, and – if asked – to stand up for America. I got to do all of that, which for me is thanks enough for my service.