Thanks to our Veterans

I've been watching the specials on Memorial Day and they are pretty moving. We often overlook and take for granted the freedoms that we have. Thanks to the men and women who sacrificed for us, we enjoy an unprecedented lifestyle. We worship as we choose, work at jobs that are our choice and live anywhere we like. These freedoms are protected by those men and women that we honor today.

National Geographic did a special on Arlington National cemetery yesterday. I was privileged to visit there 5 years ago. What history is written on those gravestones! So many people sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom. Few led extraordinary lives, most were citizen soldiers. What made them extraordinary was their willingness to go when their country called and the valor they showed in performing their duty. Visiting the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier brings awe to those who watch the changing of the guard. Everyone is silent as the honor guard performs it's impressive routine.

It seems as if every generation has had to send our military forces somewhere to protect freedom. I am opposed to the war in Iraq but I honor those brave men and women who serve there. History will tell us if fighting there was the right thing to do. My 87 year old aunt supports the president. The love of her life was killed in the Battle of the Bulge. She knows what sacrifice is. My heart cries whenever there is an obituary for a young man who died in Iraq or Afghanistan. They fight because their country asked them to. None want to die, but many do. I want it to be over in the middle east so no more Americans die. But we have to ask ourselves if this enemy is any less guilty of crimes against humanity than the Nazis. We all feel ambivalence, for or against our involvement in this war. But for the armed forces of the United States of America, we honor those who are serving and sacrificing yesterday and today.

I want to personally thank those veterans in my family who have served this country. My husband, Navy and Coast Guard. My oldest son, National Guard. My middle son, Navy. My youngest son, Army. My brother-in-law, Navy. My nephew, Navy. All are just regular guys who served this great country.