And the decision by Chad and Betty Ray to offer veterans a free trip to Washington D.C. on Veteran's Day is the perfect example of genuine altruism.

The Rays, mother and son, don't expect payment in return for their offer. They don't expect to see their business grow by generating referrals from the veterans who will take the trip.

The offer is nothing more than kindness turned into action.

In return for showing up, veterans will have an opportunity to see this nation's thankfulness for their military service at a time when many Americans stop to remember the sacrifices offered by so many millions.

They will be taken by bus to see some of the national mouments that dot the capital city's landscape.

They will be fed. And they will be listened to.

The Rays' offer to take veterans to Washington D.C. is a symbol of the quality of life we enjoy in eastern Wake County.

For all the problems we face in our daily lives, eastern Wake County is filled with compassionate people who are willing to give of themselves to improve the lives of those around them.

Some of the veterans who will ride the bus to Washington D.C. have, no doubt, been there before. For others, it will be the first time they've seen the appreciation of a nation.

And they have the altruism of one family to thank for it.