I knew it was coming, but I flinched anyway.  The rounds fired in salute of the Air Force veteran echoed through the Andersonville National Cemetery on that recent beautiful Monday afternoon.  I’d just finished my remarks to the small group gathered there and had stepped to the back of the open pavilion.  I stood and watched as the honor guard slowly folded the American flag that had draped the casket.  The three rifle volleys were fired, and the sobering notes of “Taps” wafted through the air.  As I looked past the wooden casket of Col. F. O. White, the large arch of the pavilion framed the rows and rows of perfectly-aligned small white headstones that gleamed in the sun and mark the resting places of over 20,000 who have served in the various branches of our nation’s military.  And I gave thanks.  From those who fired the “shot heard ’round the world” in 1775 at Lexington to our own Berean member Malcolm Lemons who will soon find himself in Afghanistan, I gave thanks for those who have served and are currently serving our country.  On this Veterans Day weekend, take time to thank the Lord for them.  Then, take a moment to thank the veterans you know.  Let’s reflect the words spoken to Bro. F. O.’s widow as she was handed the folded flag that, in part, were “On behalf of…a grateful nation….”  God bless America.