On this day, we hold in our hearts a great honor. An honor bestowed upon this great Nation by
those who sacrifice daily by serving this country in the six services that allow us our
Freedom. Those Patriotic services to our Country are: The Coast Guard, The Reserves, The Army,
The Navy, The Air Force, The Marines.
I have visited often the Memorial area of Washington D.C. Seen the expanse of unmarked white
crosses over the rolling hillsides of Arlington. Seen the flowers, the boots, the mementos
next to The Wall. I have seen too the Marines at Arlington give Veterans their last call to
taps with the gallant stallion…. with their boots in stirrups backward. I have shed many a
tear for them, in gratitude for the freedom we now have and share.
I have too met many a soldier since and have held, shaken the hand and expressed my gratitude
for what they have done, and what they do to this day. Many have become also police officers
still serving their country.
I fervently love those who protect us, shelter us, and those who have given their ultimate
sacrifice for our Democracy. And too, there are still others who go uncounted in the effort of
Veterans, living and dead.
And those remaining uncounted, not just the lost POW's, MIA's either… but it is the wives, and
the families, the children who also sacrifice while their spouses are in foreign countries
protecting our interests and show the cause of Freedom. They sacrifice too beyond what we may
know….
To all, all of the service members AND their families who give and gave to this great country
of ours… our hearts go out, our sincerity is spiked, and our gratitude goes immeasurably for
the Freedoms that we enjoy. It is just not today… it is every day that we give thanks to those
service men and women who give, and their families.
When the Jets fly, when the Ships Sail, when the Men and Women march to over seas… we care. In
our hearts. For if it were not for them, no other country would know the ideal of Freedom.
"Semper Fidelis" (Always Faithful)