Salute

I had the day off today, so I slept in ’til about 10am–longer than I’ve slept in a very long time.  I took my time getting out of bed, took a leisurely shower and went to a fast food lunch.  Now, I’m home, writing this blog and watching a little TV.  I’ll probably play some video games at some point today and otherwise spend most of the day on the Internet.

Meanwhile, half a world away, men and women I don’t even know woke at the crack of dawn–just like every other morning.  They probably hustled out to morning excercises and if they were lucky, got five minutes to get clean before heading to breakfast–a standard issue square meal.  Maybe it was good, but it was probably just ok.  After eating, maybe they got a little down time, but most likely they headed immediately to do their jobs and will spend the entire day doing those jobs.

They are the men and women of our Armed Forces–and their job is to protect my ability to do nothing special on a Friday day off.

Today is Veteran’s Day and I sometimes wonder how many people actually realize what that means.  It’s not just another Friday day off.  This is a day to honor and remember those who have served and protected our country in the past–and to show gratitude to those who do so currently.

Today, with this simple blog, that is what I hope to do.

Jesus G. Sr. – United States Marine Corp.
Federico "Freddy" R. –  United States Marine Corp.
Gerald "Gerry" R. – United States Navy
Hector R. – United States Marine Corp.
Brian S.- currently serving, United States Navy
Bruce S. – United States Army
David S.- United States Navy
Jeffrey S. – United States Army

Because they are members of my family, these men have personally affected my life.  Through their service they have done much more than that.  They have affected my way of life.  They have made it possible for me to have the freedoms that I have, and in some cases, to take those freedoms for granted.

Regardless of your politics, try to remember that the men and women who serve are doing a job that many of us are incapable or unwilling to do ourselves.  They willingly volunteered to protect you and me because someone had to.  They did not get to vote on whether or not they would be sent to the places they have been stationed.  But they are there–for us.

Those who serve and have served in the past would not want us to spend today under a constant vigil.  They do what they do so that we can live.  Honor them by enjoying yourself today.  That’s what they would want.

Enjoy yourself, but do not forget why you are able to do so today.

If you have ever served or if you are currently serving in our Armed Forces….if you have a spouse, a child, a parent, or a friend who is has served or is currently serving, I say thank you for your sacrifice.  Thank you for doing what you do.

Thank you.