Fort Collins, CO
I wanted to share this message... because now more than ever we need to remember what it is to be American and we need to remember who provided us with the freedom we enjoy every day... the people we need to thank every day - oh let us call them REAL AMERICANS - do not, nor have they ever sat in cushy political offices with a view or flown on fancy jets or rode in mile long motorcades - NO - the people I'm talking about did the REAL work, the DIRTY work, the IMPORTANT work and they DESERVE our RESPECT, have EARNED our RESPECT more than any person or posturing wannabe dignitary in this great country.
The following is well said!
*stepping on to the soapbox*
Ladies and Gentlemen,
As with years before I am still confused as to why we need to assign a day to honor OUR Fallen and those who served. That said, I am glad there is that one day set aside. As a Patriot Guard Rider I see that every day is a Memorial Day. This morning riders are escorting the remains of a Veteran to his final duty station. Funeral Services are being held for another KIA, and our Nation mourns. Those happenings are not reserved for one day of the year, they happen every day. We are a Nation at war. And as we all know, the first rule of war is young men die. The second rule is you can't change rule one. This last week we buried the oldest "young man" KIA of this war. He was 60 and had been retired for 17 years and went back to lead our young men. Yes, we know that EVERY day is Memorial Day.
Perhaps someday I will understand why 124,913 of American war dead are buried in 10 different countries in 24 permanent cemeteries. We promised, PROMISED no man would be left behind. Yet still our brave men and women are buried in soil they fought to defend and are so very far from home. My heart breaks for so many families who never saw the moment their loved one came Home. I know families have agreed to this, but the Soldier didn't. How many are buried in unmarked graves and counted as MIA? In my mind I try to believe that it doesn't matter where they are buried, God has taken them Home with Him. But it is a struggle in my heart and maybe someday I will understand.
As we all plan our picnics and family gatherings I ask you all to stop for a few moments and remember that this is a freedom paid for in blood. While some may choose to believe that is "glorifying" the Military I would suggest that it is merely FACT. Now more than ever our men and women need to know what they do is appreciated. We are not fighting an honorable nation. We are fighting terrorists who believe that their dogma is the only acceptable one and have an intolerance for not only Americans but anyone who does not agree. This dogma is not only debated around the world but within their own borders. September 11th is just one example of the degree they are willing to go to. Our Military serving believe with all their hearts that they are fighting the enemy over there so we will not fight it here. They believe in this Country and the American dream. Glorifying them? YOU BETCHA, THEY EARNED IT!!
Last night while leaving the movie theater Harold and I saw a pickup truck parked near ours. There was Vietnam Veteran stickers on the doors, bumper and windows. Ribbons for the MIA/POW and support our troops. We didn't see the driver but left a card on the windshield to say Thank You. At the airport last week there was an elderly gentleman with a Korean Veteran cap on. I thanked him for his service and he replied "enjoy your freedom". Not too long ago they didn't wear those hats nor show their Nam colors. We have learned something from our past. We need to teach our youth, teach the public. We have played a role in Patriotism being "cool" again and we will continue to do so. Don't just say the words of the Pledge of Allegiance,
live by them. God Bless America and the National Anthem are not just cool tunes we sang in school. They are songs of passion and honor and love for this Country. Don't just sing along....feel them. Our flag is not just a red white and blue flag. Old Glory has flown over every battle this Country has fought and will continue to do so. She has been draped over far too many of our Heroes to be "just a flag". There is a sound so special, Old Glory flying in the wind. And, there is nothing sadder than when She drops to half mast and a Nation mourns the cost of freedom.
Memorial Day is about so much more than that picnic or the Indy 500. But it is about those things too. Our Military needs to know that America continues on with it's traditions. That is a part of what they are fighting for. But, they need to know you are supporting them too. Those who have fallen, we need to never forget. The cost of freedom is a flag at half mast and we must never forget.
*stepping off the soapbox*
Louann Thomas
National Captain
Patriot Guard Riders
www.patriotguard.org
Here is my personal, heartfelt thanks to the millions of soldiers who have fought and continue to fight for the America I believe in. And here is my personal, heartfelt salute to the Patriot Guard Riders who honor our military - every day. I vow to NEVER FORGET.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Ride safe. Ride free. Thanks for visiting Our Harley Days. Your feedback is appreciated. -V- P.S. All comments are moderated - spammers get your jollies elsewhere.