I Will Remember

From an early age I was taught about the price of freedom. It is a bit ironic that freedom comes at the highest of all costs, the ultimate sacrifice. If something is truly worth having it is worth protecting. Sometimes that means having to sacrifice what we hold the most dear.  Our bravest and brightest have accepted the task of standing between us and danger in whatever form it presents itself. Far too many of these brave men and women are just nameless faceless figures in camouflage, khaki, blue or white. To their families and friends they are the ultimate heroes. Not only do the service members sacrifice time that could be spent with their families, financial benefits because almost without exception could make more money in the private sector, risk their health by exposing themselves to unsanitary and  extremely dangerous conditions but they continue to do their jobs knowing that there is a very real possibility that they might not live to be greeted with warm hugs and kisses or a hometown parade. Yet still they continue to serve. Almost every man in my family has served our country at one time or another. I am proud of each and every one of them. I have a son, a nephew and my husband’s brother in law on active duty at this moment. My son Michael will be leaving for basic training in July. My husband was a Marine Corps Drill Instructor. I am blessed because while they have served honorably they have all returned home. Some families are not so fortunate. I want to take this opportunity to thank those brave warriors that truly "gave all". Tomorrow I will say a prayer of remembrance and of genuine gratitude for their sacrifice and that of their families as well. Their loss is a loss for us all. They will not be forgotten.
I also want to take a moment to say "HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARINES". "SEMPER FI". You make me proud. Thank you for your vigilance, your ferocity in battle, your generosity in all its forms and the fact that you truly are "The few, the proud, the MARINES"!