Yesterday I taught my 14 month old grandson to say, "Buddy!" He also grunts the familiar "Bud!" pretty danged well too!
I look at that of a culmination of a lifetime (so far) of service to my family, community, and country. But I am not so foolish to believe that is anything but a drop in a very large ocean.
I cannot express my thanks for all of you, and your great contributions, and those that came before you. Military, leader, planter, worker, or follower, everyone, of every belief and hue has made this nation what it is :
"Our nation was conceived out of the greatest promise made by mankind, a has become beacon of hope for a world emerging from darkness. It is the inspiration of mankind achieving greater results than ever, and possibility of a brighter future for our children, and their children, and those of every citizen of this planet."
And I find great pleasure in seeing it in the small things. Bud!