To The Editor:

Many years ago, I found myself on a bus that was destined for Parris Island, S.C.

As I arrived at this location in the middle of the night, I received a rather unceremonious welcome from one of the many Marine drill instructors that possess the uncanny ability of making one’s life difficult.

The next day, I was relieved of my personal possessions, including my hair and my training as a Marine formally began.

Over the next 13 weeks, I was called every name in the book and I wondered how I could have volunteered for such abuse. As my training progressed, I learned valuable lessons that not only taught me how to survive in combat situations, but also important concepts such as personal responsibility, duty, honor and fidelity to one’s country. The Marines stress these principles and they emphasize how important it is to honor the traditions and accomplishments of past Marines.

On Veterans Day, we honor all of the current and former members of the armed forces. The greatness of our nation was built on the courage and sacrifices of these men and women. Fortunately, these individuals are and were willing to sacrifice everything – even their lives – to defend the principles our nation was founded on. They are the best among us and they represent the most noble of all professions. They were willing to rally to the call for service and place themselves in harm’s way so that you and I could enjoy the blessings of liberty and freedom that we possess today.

To all of the veterans that have served in the five branches of the U.S. military: Thank you for your sacrifices, bravery and the example you have set for all of us.

To sum it up, thank you for your service.

Randy Schueck Jr.

Macungie