Wilderness Walk for 11-11-2010: Veteran's Day

Those of you who frequent this site already know this, and those of you who do not can learn today. There are very few times in life when words fail me. I can write 10,000 words on just about any topic you give me, offer a scathing critique, even deliver some facts. However, when it comes to certain things, the words written on the screen echo in their hollowness.

There are no words to express the gratitude those of us at Hockey Wilderness have for the service and sacrifice of our troops. From those that have fought and died to free us and defend us, to those who serve today, we offer our heartfelt thanks.

A few days ago, after the first Military Wild Fan Interview ran, I got an email from a soldier currently serving in Afghanistan. It was short, likely due to the small amount of time they have for such things. In it, the soldier told me to continue my "good work" here at Hockey Wilderness. I immediately replied that it should be I thanking him. If what we do here provides even a small amount of comfort to even one soldier, sailor, airman, or Marine... we would consider that an honor, and our privilege.

So, Sgt. Robert Hagen, thank you. Thank you to you, and to all other Veterans who have given so much and continue to lay your lives on the line to provide me with the right to write on this site. Thank you for freeing me from tyranny and defending me from despots bent on world domination. I never was good with German, and I suck at the Queen's English, so I am ultimately glad you saved me from that.

See? I always have a joke.

I hope all Veterans have a great day. If you see a military service member, or a Veteran today, please take a moment and shake their hand. Say thank you, even if, like me, you feel those words are weak compared to the task at hand.

Thank you to each and every person who has served, is serving, or will ever serve.

Celebrating Veteran's Day:

Defending the Blue Line - Defending the Blue Line is my favorite charity, and is supported by Brent Burns, Derek Boogaard, the NHL, the NHLPA, and other organizations. They are Minnesota based, and are a great group of people. Founded and run by members of the military to provide military kids with the joy of playing hockey, DTBL welcomes your donations of both gear and cash.

Once Again, It Is Veterans Day - Daily Norseman - Chris Gates, a veteran himself, has a moving post over at the SBN Vikings blog. Check it out. Tell Chris thanks for his service while you are there.

Remembering Canadiens and Bruins 1940's Wartime Support Efforts - Habs Eyes On The Prize - This is epic. A true must read. Reports are that this post took weeks to put together, and it is flat out awesome.

Wild News:

Don't let Brent Burns' numbers fool you | StarTribune.com - Who better to feature on Veteran's Day than Brent Burns? A steadfast supporter of the military both in Canada and the US, Burns just flat out gets it. Thanks, Brent.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Nick Schultz really sinks his teeth into shot-blocking chores - TwinCities.com - Hey, did anyone know Nick Schultz took a puck to the face? Yeah. It really happened. You know, four days ago.

KiPA's Korner:

Hitting The Post: Marquee teams still struggling; Halak hit hard - Halak is human? What?!?!

Off the Trail:

Video: Ilya Kovalchuk's epic shootout fail for Devils vs. Sabres - Puck Daddy - NHL  - Yahoo! Sports - Best. $100 Million and loss of draft picks. Ever.

Author's Note: I know it is game day, and this is not your typical game day Walk. For your create-a-caption assignment today, say a thank you to a member of the military. Say it out in the real world, or say it here, or say it over on Facebook.  Just say it.