In honor, in memory, in love

Today is a day not to focus on Bunco, or parties, or football, or any of the wonderful fun things that life has to offer.  Instead, today is a day to reflect, to put those things in perspective, and to be grateful to our brothers and sisters who've sacrificed their all so that we can enjoy such frivolities, and often without second thought.  

It's a day to pause, a day to remember, and a day to give thanks for the wonderful, exceptional nation that is the U.S. of A.

And I say with all seriousness - where else in this world can you speak as freely, worship as freely, and just live as freely?  There is nowhere else, I dare say, and I am proud of that.  Truly, in many ways, America is the light of the world, and I don't think it's ethnocentric or narrow-minded to say that.  That doesn't mean we are a better people, but we are a tremendously blessed people, and I don't think it's wrong to acknowledge that, embrace that, and want others to emulate that.  And nothing, not even the horrible attacks of 9/11/01, can take those qualities away.


No doubt like many of our readers, I come from "military stock."  I am the daughter of a proud Vietnam veteran, and the granddaughter of WWII vets as well.  Additionally, my mother was in the Army Reserves during Vietnam.  It makes me immeasurably proud that my family is among those who have served tirelessly, sometimes for causes they were not so sure they believed in, because they loved and respected this country.  It is because of these tireless soldiers and other such service men - and women - that we are able to live in this great nation. Today is a somber reminder of that fact.  


A poem I recently read captures much of the thankful and reflective spirit of this day:

It's the Soldier, not the reporter,

Who has given us Freedom of the Press.

It's the Soldier, not the poet,

Who has given us Freedom of Speech.

It's the Soldier, not the politicians,

That ensures us the right to Life,  

Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.

It's the Soldier who salutes the flag,

Who serves beneath the flag,

And whose coffin is draped by the flag.

                                                                                           

(Author Unknown)

So I would like to utilize this blog post to thank our military, our police, our firefighters and emergency personnel, and all else who give so that others of us may take.  As my father so eloquently put it, God bless those who are running in while all else are running out.

God Bless America.


Lindsay