In between barbequing and fireworks and a day off for the unlucky not yet retired CRT'ers, I would like to thank our vets and service personnel for their sacrifice so that we and millions if not billions of people around the globe can enjoy the simple freedoms we so often take for granted.

To the rest of the world who lives in freedom and prosperity (That includes you, France ) we Americans humbly accept your thanks and appreciation on behalf of millions of our military people, as well as their families, who sacrificed, got injured and died protecting your liberty.

To my Costa Rica brothers and sisters who so graciously welcome us in your country and brag that you have no army, I'd like to gently as a true friend who loves this country as much as my own, remind you that you really do have an army, it's the good old army of the USA. If our mutual friend Mr. Daniel Ortega of Nicaragua who had a few quarrels with us in the 80's (and decided to back down to stay alive) ever decides he wants to say, reclaim Guanacaste, for example, you know we'd be there, so if any of you want to quietly approach a US retired vet ex pat and say thanks, it will be appreciated....