DEFENDERS OF THE CITY:

Give Thanks for These Patriots: Civilian turkey- eaters: Show your gratitude for the armed forces. (Max Boot, November 25, 2004, LA Times)

It is all too easy to take the all-volunteer armed forces for granted. They've been around now for 31 years, ever since the draft was abolished in 1973. We have become used to having a high-quality military filled by dedicated young women and men willing to put their lives on the line for less money than Donald Trump hands out in tips every week.

It is worth remembering how extraordinary and unusual our service members really are � and how much we owe them this Thanksgiving.

(originally posted: November 25, 2004)