To Honor and Remember

Only two defining forces have ever died for you: Jesus Christ and the American soldier – one died for your soul and the other died for your freedom.

Yesterday, I wrote about honoring and remembering police officers who were killed in the line of duty. How could I not do likewise for our men and women of our Armed Forces? I had something different in mind for today but I’ll save that for tomorrow. Throughout our history, troops have given their lives so that we may be free. Colonial militia fought for our liberty and their descendants have been fighting to keep it ever since. So many men – and recently, women – have died to protect us and our freedoms. How can we NOT honor them?

We’ve all seen the photos of how hard it is for our troops – sleeping when and where they can, wearing hot uniforms and carrying heavy equipment while sweltering in hundred plus degree heat, living in cramped quarters on ships and submarines. Some of them lose limbs or even their lives. They all know the risks but still they go and consider it an honor to serve their country. When Whitney Houston died, the governor of New Jersey wanted to fly the flags at half-mast. Why isn’t that done for every single service person who is killed “over there” – wherever “over there” may be at the time?

During the Viet Nam era, patriotism in this country reached a low that I think we’d never experienced before. Our vets returned from ‘Nam to a disrespecting country, no help for their war-related issues and illnesses and unemployment. As far as I can remember, patriotism remained low until the terrorist attacks of 9/11. When that happened, we all got patriotic again. There are people who don’t support the war effort but, to my knowledge, most all support our troops.

I not only support our troops, I appreciate them and what they sacrifice for our freedoms. A mere "thank you" hardly seems sufficient but it's all they want. Next time you see a member of our military make sure you let them know you appreciate them.

Semper fi (oh, did I mention that the dear hubby is a former Marine?)