Blowing Out Candles For Our Veterans

Every year, on my birthday, our community holds a parade.

No, it's not for me.

But it is humbling.

You see, my birthday falls on Veteran's Day. Every year, as my close-knit family gathers around to celebrate my birth, it is on a day when our entire nation - including my family - stops to honor our veterans.

My birthday could not have fallen on a more perfect day.

My family also struggled to earn our status as American citizens, when my parents brought me here as a small child, from Cuba. I never took a minute of my life as an American for granted.

I know, and I am reminded every birthday, of the sacrifice our veterans made for us all to live in the freedom we all enjoy.

So today I humbly ask for a birthday gift.

It's in the form of a moment of silence, where I simply ask that you stop to thank our veterans of every war and even in times of peace - and to thank their families, for the sacrifices they made. Take a moment to appreciate all that we have, and those who gave it to us.

To all of the veterans and their families: Thank you.

I hope you can all join me, and my family, in a slice of cake.

- Dr. Emilio M. Justo

Founder and Director

Arizona Eye Institute

& Cosmetic Laser Center