Hail to the heroes ... and thank you

It was to be a "routine patrol" for the corporal and two other soldiers on a hot July night in Korea in 1951.
They volunteered to capture Chinese soldiers and bring them back to their company's post with information.
Around 11 p.m. while heading down the ridge of Hill 785, they encountered Chinese troops moving on their company's position.
The three Americans opened fire, surprising the enemy and creating some confusion within the enemy ranks.
The corporal sent one of the trio back to the hilltop to warn the company about the Chinese.
In the meantime, the corporal and his partner kept firing on the Chinese while dropping back and keeping themselves between the enemy and the company.
When they finally reached the American position, they joined the company in beating back the Chinese.
The corporal, my father - Ben McLaughlin, was awarded the Bronze Star for his actions that, according to the company commander, helped keep the Chinese from using "the element of surprise to a good advantage" that would have "probably inflicted heavy casualties."
With Sunday being Veterans Day, I shall salute my dad, who left the Army with the rank of sergeant first class; my father-in-law, John Goltz, who served in the Army during Vietnam; and my son, 2nd Lt. Lance McLaughlin, who is currently on exercises at Fort Sill, Okla.
While we should always be thankful to our veterans for their service, this time is special in Huntsville as the Semper Fi Community Task Force hosts its annual Heroes Week. Some 30 wounded warriors from around the country representing all branches of the military will be hosted and feted - with their spouses and care-givers - with a week of relaxation and recognition.
What makes this special is that many of these heroes were in hospitals, recovering from their wounds, while their units completed their deployment and returned to hero welcomes.
The warriors, who arrived in town this week, will be honored at a Veterans Day breakfast and the annual Veterans Day Parade on Monday. There is also a Marine Corps Ball along with fishing tournament and lunches and dinners hosted by the community and local businesses.
So, here's to you, our veterans, who served and are serving so that we may enjoy the many freedoms a lot of  us take for granted.
I thank you.