Every week when I sit down to write my Monday Thoughts, once I decide the topic I try and find an image that blends interesting artistic qualities into the message that I’m trying to convey. I’m an arts educator and love the fact that we could take any topic and shed light to any story, while at the same time teaching people to think differently and explore their creative muscle. This mosaic from fourth grade students really did the trick and it got me thinking a little bit more about the importance of honoring our Veterans today and teaching our children about the sacrifices that they have made for our country.

When I was a young boy growing up in New York City in the 60s and 70s, there was so much divisiveness about the Vietnam War, but I remember looking at these young men and the sacrifices that they were making, and I was able then to really appreciate the honor in the role of being a soldier. On this Veterans Day, let’s simply do that. Let’s think about the sacrifices that men and women make today in our arm forces trying to protect us and let’s pray for them and for all of us that we continue to have safety here and around the world.