Freedom.

Its not unusual for me to find myself randomly thinking about America during the day. I love history, I live right across the river from the most powerful city in the world, I come from a military family, I watch shows like "JAG" and “The West Wing” and so forth…But the past week because of obvious major events I have been thinking even more often about our country and how truly blessed we are to live here.

I’m not going to go into many details about the election because that’s not what my blog is about, but I will say this: I was disappointed with the results Tuesday night, but not gloom-and-doom depressed. The whole day/night I kept thinking about how wonderful it was that we have the freedom to vote who we want to public office-we hold that control. And even though the day symbolized division, it made my heart happy thinking of how united voting makes us. Most people going to the polls last Tuesday went there full of hope that their man would win and become President of the United States. We were in a way, united in that hope.

I feel so blessed that I had the ability to vote. This was my first time being able to vote in person, and my heart was pounding as I pushed the buttons on the machine. I am an American. I have the right to vote someone into office, and the right to vote them out of office. And so does every other American.

(And I know I wouldn’t go into the election, but I love this picture of Mitt by Charles Dharapak. Sue me.)

I think its only appropriate that Veterans Day was five days after the election, because of course we wouldn’t have the right to vote without the service and sacrifice of our veterans. I get so upset with people who are so defiant about not voting. My thoughts are: educate yourself on the issues and go vote. If civic duty doesn’t motivate you, just think about the many men who suffered and died on the beach at Normandy or in the jungles of Vietnam so that you could be free to voice your opinion.

Thankfully, I have three great veterans in my life who have always been great examples to me of being selfless, disciplined, and faithful to the cause of defending our nation.

1^st Lt. Lloyd H. Morgan, USMC ret.

Grandpa Morgan was a Marine for 33 years. He served in World War II, Korea, and Vietnam, most notably fighting at the Chosin Reservoir. He was able to vote in Virginia on Tuesday and was so happy :)

Lt. Col. J. Alan Price, USAF

Grandpa Price was an enlisted sailor in WWII in the Navy and then joined the Air Force. He was a fighter pilot in Korea and Vietnam and worked at the Pentagon and other assorted stations. He passed away four years ago and I wish I could call him and tell him thank you.

Cdr. Clark A. Price, USN ret.

My dad will always be the very best person that I have ever known. A lot of this ties to his career in the Navy as a JAG Corps officer. The Navy was lucky to have him because he is the most just, fair person that I know. He was the epitomy of a good naval officer.

I will be forever grateful for all veterans that have served our country, and those who did not return. We were able to choose our next president because they were ready to fight on our behalf. How blessed we are.