#VeteransDay

Indeed, when Captain Doyle returned there was a full report. A peace treaty had been negotiated restoring Great Britain and the United States to their antebellum status.

“But what of the prisoners?” Charley asked Captain Doyle.

“A Yankee trader from France bound for Charleston put into port a few days back. That is how we learned the news. The governor is not interested in having a gang of Americans roaming through Kingston, and asked if we would ‘host’ them for a while longer until they can ship out with their countrymen.”

It was that simple. Men who two days earlier would have run each other through or blown each other to pieces, now were up on deck toasting each other’s countries with carefully rationed grog. Captain Doyle wisely put a limit on the amount of alcohol served, knowing that it wouldn’t take much to re-ignite the conflict on a smaller scale.

“Captain Fletcher told me I do not understand men, Mr. Bryant,” Charley said in bemusement later that night. “I have to agree with him.”

He shrugged his shoulders. “They fought when they needed to fight. Now they’re anxious to go home. We sailors are not complicated creatures, Doctor.”

--SEA CHANGE (High Seas #1) 

Today we honor our veterans, the women and men who put themselves in harm's way fighting our nation's battles, and who came home to us. As the generations move on, it's more important than ever to pause and reflect on what their service means to all of us. 

Here's a salute to those who wore their nation's uniform, to their families who held things together at home and at bases overseas, and to all of those who stepped up to answer the call of duty.

Thank you for your service.