My Boots

My boots are too small. There aren't too many size 17 humans around, let alone those who wear the boots used by those who serve in the US military. I've never served. My boots are caked in the soil of the free and safe land I have lived in my whole life.
My boots will never have the hot dust of Afghanistan on them. They won't have the blood of a brother on them. They won't because of those who have volunteered to go where I won't.
I wear them when I ride. I wear them when I hunt and I wear them when I hike.
I wear them when I'm going to any place most shoes won't go and though they're too small, I also wear them as a small but heartfelt tribute to those who wear them for me.
For like my boots, those who serve in the Armed Forces go where others won't and take the burden of freedom off of their neighbors and carry it voluntarily.
They make this nation who we are.
They go where we won't.

I'll wear my boots today, knowing many more will wear them away from all they love in order for what they love to endure.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who goes where I don't.

Have a happy and safe Veteran's Day

To get your boots on and contribute to making the lives of those returning from combat better, visit http://www.bootcampaign.com