I’m not one to slap American flags on my truck or worry all that much if someone wants to burn it. After all, it’s a symbol, easily re-created. But, what it stands for, our individual freedoms and responsibilities, will remain intact no matter how many are burned. We’re not a nation of cloth, we’re a nation of people.

But that’s not why I’m writing this. A Bridge Too Far is on AMC right now. Patton played a few hours ago. Watching these reminds me of two things: Playing with toy soldiers as a kid whenever movies like these were on television, and, more so these days, that a lot of people have given their lives to protect our interests. Regardless of the soundness of the judgement as to what is worth such a sacrafice, the sacrafice is made.

Those folks in our armed services, past and present, who gave everything from their time to their lives, we are indebted. This is as true for those who fought in the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam as those now in Iraq and Afghanistan.

So, to all Vets, thanks.

It’s about 10:30 on a Sunday night and I just poured myself a tall shot glass of Gammel Dansk, a Danish bitter. As a bitter, it’s primary purpose is to help with digestion. But it is a fickle drink and depending when you have it, it either warms one’s core like mother’s milk or goes down as brutally as a cocktail of motor oil and acetone. The effect on digestion seems like rendering an opinion rather than providing assistance. And I’ve found that if I eat well, or at least modestly, it tends to taste better, regardless of the time of day. (Indeed, it can be good in the morning — just as the label actually says.)

Along with the even stronger aquavit (akvavit ), Gammel Dansk is common stuff for a toast at social gatherings. I’m not sure what draws us to drink these concoctions. They are harsh liquids. But, then again, when one is surrounded by friends, all raising a glass and deliberately making eye contact before taking a gulp, you can find everything. The bitter liquid a reminder of what pains each of us; the warm glow that follows, a reminder of what’s good and keeps us going. Or, maybe on some cellular level, our brains just have it in for our livers.

Either way, the Old Danish tasted good tonight, even though Mary’s dislike of it (and the fact that she has gone to bed) has me drinking it alone.