A Veterans Day Message From Maj. (Ret.) Dr. Mary Margaret Johnson

To all my brothers and sisters in Arms: First, thank you for your service. I am writing today on behalf of Capitol Technology University to celebrate that service and recognize your many sacrifices.

All of us: active duty, reservist, and retired have given so much to our country. We have sacrificed our time, and have missed moments in our family’s lives that should have been life-long memories. We have trained in the rain and the dirt, and have spent hours strategically planning how we will safeguard our country. We have lost our lives, the lives of our children, yet in the mist of our pain and suffering we drove on until our mission was complete. The battle is not over and we still pray every day for the safety of our military family.

Each Veterans Day we are reminded that we have served with some of the most brilliant leaders and followers in the world. Our memories good and bad will never fade. We have stood next to a person one day and then mourned their death the next. The selfless service from us all is bittersweet. We don’t do it for the money, prestige or attention. Everything we do is from the heart; we are passionate about our duties and responsibilities to this nation.

Today, however, I ask each of you to pause and take a moment of silence and reflect on what Veterans Day means to you and to your military family. This is an awesome opportunity to share our experiences, cry, laugh and reflect. We want to focus on the good, but never forget that painful moments are a part of learning and growth. We must continue to live and make every moment count.

In closing, I ask you to join our nation today in celebrating the long line of warriors who have served honorably and faithfully. I ask you to extend a hand to our brothers and sisters in arms, both young and old. I also ask you to answer the nation’s call again – this as a survivor, a witness, and a teacher of all that represents the highest in military honor and distinction.