I refuse to discuss either politics or religion, and my personal reason for the importance of Christmas is certainly not what huge new electronic gadget someone is going to get me. Having said that, something has stayed with me for three months now, and perhaps by sharing it with you, it'll resolve its effect on me. I attended a Veteran’s Day parade back in November; the city doesn't matter. I was very disappointed. The turn-out to support and participate in the parade was pitiful. And this was the second year that it was so. As I stood there watching, I thought, (and later regretted it) if Santa had been there, the street would have been packed.

There is one lesson related to this, that I tried to teach my ten-year old daughter. I myself served ten honorable years in the military, of which I was very honored to do. When I heard that a very respected military member of our community was to be coming home after a long time away from his family and community, we and several other community residents set-up for his exit off the highway. To see that very tough man with tears of happiness in his eyes that day, and to be a part of the sense of respect and honor from his family, friends and community was something. Both my daughter and I shed tears, along with most there, confirming that we had indeed shared a moment that needed shared.

I was a structural and aircraft crash rescue firefighter, and served in Alaska, Alabama and Germany. Though I never saw actual combat, I did serve and sacrifice time spent with my family. The men and women now serving, however, have laid their lives directly on the line, as have thousands before them, many paying the ultimate price.

Please understand that I'm not debating the issue of the war. I am simply trying to impart my concern that our military men and women, and their families, as volunteers for the world’s most demanding and dangerous jobs, are relegated to the "second section" of the newspaper The coming and goings of Hollywood stars are far less earth shattering, in my opinion, than the loss of even one life in combat.

And with the very disappointing showing of that Veteran’s Day parade, my heart hurt. So, I dedicate this month's column to each and every Veteran and active duty military member and all of their families, and truly wish to thank and honor them for their sacrifice and service.

If marketers want to sell Christmas the first of November, they can have at it. What does make smoke rise from my two lane asphalt in February, however, is that even on Veteran’s Day, some barely even notice. For my part, every day is Veteran’s Day.

Now, pick me up a couple boxes of those fifty percent off candy message hearts in April, when the Halloween stuff is already out, will ya? Take care.

Brad Moyers of Burnsville, is an eight-year radio broadcaster, and devoted student of music. Readers may contact him at brad.moyers@yahoo.com.