photo #1259004

Whenever possible, I try to teach the younger generations about Memorial Day. Part of it's selfish, part respectful. The selfish part? They were never taught that military personnel that fell overseas were keeping the war "over there". The Navy ships that were sunk with all hands aboard were stopping an enemy from coming here. Our Air Force planes that were shot down or crashed trying to maintain air supremacy, which is now becoming an even bigger threat. Our military might is created by the melding of many cultures and backgrounds that becomes a family, branch irrelevant. It doesn't take much to impress upon them that honoring fallen members is the right thing to do. It becomes the obligation of the recipient of a gift to thank the giver, and in this case, can only be rendered in words and actions. Not having to face bombed out rubble everywhere and family casualties all around is a blessing many Americans have forgotten or never faced. By the Grace of God. We have been truly blessed. Almost beyond measure. The respect part is very easy. Yes, I've served. I've been around this family and am grateful for the education I received from the experience. From the chills I got watching an aircraft land " hands off" due to the radar system I just calibrated, to watching the Blue Angels of VT-4 in Pensacola play overhead of the precision approach radar that could land them in 0/0 visibility. The ones that fell in defense of our country didn't have that same thrill. The ones in the landing craft headed for the beaches of Normandy weren't contemplating going to a picnic. Young men, America's finest, pensive, but prepared to do what must be done to keep their loved ones back here safe. What was going through their minds as they jumped into the cold water when the bow ramps dropped and they were faced with a withering volley of fire? As they crawled in/around the obstacles and barbed wire to seek shelter/temporary safety? What about the calls for "medic" and the final cries of their comrades? What about those who charged up the hills with bayonets because they were out of ammunition? Most before they weren't even old enough to drink a beer? Failure to appreciate the sacrifices of Patriotic Americans has a very sobering side effect. It causes an indifference that allows the atrocities of war to appear in our own backyards. By denigrating military members and our fallen heroes by our actions and words causes serious drops in enlistments, and not caring for veterans only exacerbates the problem. Homeless vets are a constant reminder. By bestowing our highest honors on the fallen, we establish an example for others to follow, and that causes them to question why and what everything's about. Integrity, morality, patriotism, service to country, service to others, and the importance of keeping our loved ones safe. The very foundations of a society built on solid rock, not sand. There's one thing I can always say when I'm asked what my major accomplishment has been in life. It can never be taken from me no matter what. Neither can the respect for those who faced the ultimate test in their duties to self and country. These WERE iron men. Truly, to date, the greatest example to follow. NOT a kneeling, disrespectful, foul mouthed miscreant demanding his fifteen minutes of fame and multimillion dollar salaries who get carried off with a foot cramp. "So that THESE sacrifices shall not have been in vain.........".