In the category of "Stuff Bigger Than Real Estate" comes this weekend's celebration of the veterans and their awesome sacrifices for our country. (Awesome is often overused, but I think that it's perfect for this, considering what these brave soldiers have gone through for fellow Americans that they have never met).

I am proud of my Uncle who served the Army as Lieutenant Colonel and has told me many stories that amaze me (watching an enemy soldier gunned down before he is able to deliver a backpack full of explosives to his platoon...he saw this as he walked to the showers).

Also proud of my other Uncle who served in the Navy many years before I was born. I've seen photos and heard stories from our family but wasn't able to get the stories straight from Unk but I'm sure he had some memories too.

My wife's side of the family has several soldiers across many branches and I am thankful to hear their stories.

Our family just visite the St Louis Gateway Arch this week for the first time and learned about the early struggles to expand this nation west. It gave me pause to remember all that we take for granted (like paved roads) and what so many people before me have done to provide this great live we enjoy today.

Let's slow down this weekend and remember these people who have come before us and honor their service. Thank you to those agents and readers whom I have never met, but you still have contributed to this country in a special way. 

Thank you, brave soldiers!