A Veterans Day salute ....

I thought for a while this morning about heading down to Hy-Vee for the free Veterans Day breakfast. But the virus is surging again in Lucas County, so decided against that.

And then the temperature dropped overnight from Thursday's high in the mid-60s to the mid-20s this morning --- another reason to stay inside for a while longer.

So I just listened again to this, put together during 2010 by Jason Eric Mumaw in memory of his late father, a Vietnam veteran.

The song, "American Anthem," was written by Gene Scheer and performed by Norah Jones for Ken Burns' seven-part 2007 documentary, "The War."

Here are the lyrics:

All we've been given by those who came before

The dream of a nation where freedom would endure

The work and prayers of centuries have brought us to this day

What shall be our legacy? What will our children say?

Let them say of me I was one who believed

In sharing the blessings I received.

Let me know in my heart when my days are through

America, America, I gave my best to you.

Each generation from the plains to distant shore

With the gifts they were given were determined to leave more.

Battles fought together, acts of conscience fought alone:

These are the seeds from which America has grown.

Let them say of me I was one who believed

In sharing the blessings that I received.

Let me know in my heart when my days are through

America, America, I gave my best to you.

For those who think they have nothing to share,

Who fear in their hearts there is no hero there.

Know each quiet act of dignity is that which fortifies

The soul of a nation that will never die.

Let them say of me I was one who believed

In sharing the blessings I received.

Let me know in my heart when my days are through

America, America, I gave my best to you.

America, [America] I gave my best to you.

I'm reasonably sure these words express the sentiments of most veterans, including myself, still alive and kicking on this fine November morning. So wave your flag, if you like, and thank a vet. But more than all of that, think about how you can give your best to benefit the collective welfare of us all.