I just read the 2007 version of this Memorial Day Blog once again. Not a lot has changed except that we may be even further polarized politically than we were a year ago. That is to be expected when we find ourselves in the midst of presidential campaigning, fighting an economic slowdown, watching fuel and food prices escalate almost daily...and as we watch flags in our village and state being flown at half-staff.
The one thing that has stayed constant is the resolve and spirit of our fighting men and women who are posted in many countries of the world. Those of us who would criticize the U.S. for being the 'policeman of the world' need to step back and ask themselves these questions: If not us, whom? If not us, where would the world be today? If not us, where would we be today?
Can we survive and prosper in an isolationist world? I doubt seriously that this would be possible. We cannot rely on the United Nations to send a military contingent here and there as hot spots erupt. We are the military contingent that gets sent wearing blue helmets. Those other 'wanna be' world powers simply do nothing but respond in token fashion, or respond with more behind-the-scenes-political maneuvering to worsen already aggravated situations. Russia is on its way back into the early twentieth century courtesy of Vladamir Putin and his new puppet president.
Against this backdrop, we watch as our politicians posture to take best advantage of the wind's direction that day. They 'debate' various things, always with an eye toward whatever camera appears in the room. They say whatever is convenient at the moment and then backfill as they trip over their words a day or a week later.
The one constant is the resolve and spirit of our fighting men and women. That is as it has been and always will be so long as our freedom endures.
We remember those who have given their lives that we may live in freedom. We remember those who gave limbs and sight so that we might live in freedom. We remember young families without a dad or without a mom or a son or daughter or a brother or sister so that we might live in freedom.
When was the last time you walked up to a person wearing the uniform of one of our branches of service and thanked them for their service and their sacrifice. Too long ago I'd wager.
We remember the more than 50,000 who gave their all in Viet Nam. We remember Korea and World War II and World War I. We remember those who protect us today from the spread of world terrorism, and who will again report to that theater of operations for another tour.
Please take a moment of your freedom to say a prayer for those men and women both past and present. Please take a moment of your freedom to walk up to someone wearing the uniform of the United States military and thank them for their dedication, their bravery and their courage and their readiness in the face of every threat so far seen by our country.
And, please take a moment to let your elected officials know just how important it is to you that they continue to truly support our military; not through lip service and posing for 'holy pictures', but truly support our men and women. These are not something akin to chess pieces that become political playthings. These are not the illiterate and underclass of our country. These are the best and the brightest. These are the true defenders of our freedoms, not those who serve in some government capacity or other that too often is a hindrance rather than a help to our men and women in uniform.
Thank you!
