11.11.2007

Never Forget

Growing up as an Air Force brat, I have always had a patriotic bent. My eyes well up whenever I hear the National Anthem. Seeing VFW or American Legion members in a parade pushes me over the edge. I am so grateful for the freedoms that we have the USA.

Today is Veterans' Day. This is a day to recognize and be grateful for the sacrifices that our servicemen and women have made over the years. The current world climate makes all of us keenly aware of sacrifices. Parents who miss birthdays, husbands who miss births, mothers who miss first dates, and the list goes on.

And then, some give the ultimate sacrifice. We should be honored that these men and women gave their lives so that we might have the freedom to do things such as openly disagree with our governmental leaders. To oppose the war, but support the soldiers.

We must never forget, as well, that for every serviceman or woman, there is a family that serves as well. Those spouses, children, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, nieces, nephews, brothers and sisters who make sacrifices every day, and miss the service person while he/she is away, and weep if they don't come home.

We must never forget that for those who serve, directly or indirectly, freedom isn't free.

And I, for one, am grateful.

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