Memorial Day represents one day of national awareness in honoring those American men and women who died while in military service, the ultimate sacrifice for our country's citizens. Over the years, Gary & I have hosted a number of men and women serving in the military - some of whom have recently returned from overseas and some of whom are planning to be deployed in the near future. At check-out, I have always made a point to thank them for their business and, most importantly, for their service to our country. Then, as I watch them drive away, I say a short prayer for their continued safety. I truly admire those who willingly puts themselves in harms way for the sake of preserving our democracy.
I asked one such guest, who had recently returned from deployment to Afghanistan, what kind of reaction he has received from civilians here in the States. He responded that people commonly ask him if he personally supports the war in Afghanistan or if he supports President Obama as his Executive Commander. Rather than get into a political debate ad nauseum, he said, he simply replies "I am an American soldier. I support my country wherever I'm needed and in whatever I'm needed to do."
What a simple, yet powerful, response.
I am in awe of these men and women who willingly put themselves in harms way for our country. They are all HEROES.
To all of the men and women serving our country, I say a heartfelt "THANK YOU." To the spouses, signifcant others and families of these men and women, I also say a heartfelt "THANK YOU."
I would like to end this posting with a political cartoon that, sadly, captures the attitude of so many American citizens. Considering what our men and women serving in the Military do every day, is going to the polls and simply voting to preserve our democracy really that big of a sacrifice? Cartoon: Download Voting
