Veterans Day is a federal holiday honoring all military veterans. This holiday is observed on November 11 where all federal and state business are closed. In other countries it is considered Armistice Day or Remembrance Day for the signing of the Armistice that ended World War I.
There have been a number of professional athletes that were drafted and also ended up having very successful military careers. For example, Bob Feller pitcher for the Cleveland Indians volunteered enlisting in the Navy. Feller received 5 campaign ribbons and 8 battle stars and still had an 18 year career in the MLB. Yogi Berra also served in the Navy earning a Purple Heart in the Battle of the Bulge.Rocky Bleier of the Pittsburgh Steelers is the most prominent winning four Super Bowls. Bleier was wounded by shrapnel in both legs in Vietnam. After two years recovering from his injuries and working with determination to get back to the NFL; his hard work paid off as he was 1,000 yard rusher. Roger Staubach, Hall of Fame quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys also served in Vietnam.
Other veterans were not as lucky to return home. Killed in action was Bob Kalsu, an All-American tackle at the University of Oklahoma and a draft pick in 1968 by Buffalo. Kalsu left a wife and daughter behind and after the birth of their son, Mrs. Kalsu was told of the death of her husband. Don’t forget Pat Tillman of the Arizona Cardinals who gave up a multimillion contract to be a Ranger in the Army. Tillman was killed serving his country.
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