Memorial Day Thoughts

As many of you know years ago I was a military policeman in the Texas State Guard. Back then I used to tell the guys in my squad " I don't care what command tells you about how safe this mission is. The fact always is there are people in this world that will shoot you dead just for the uniform you have on." This is just a very small fragment for what it is like for those who serve in our military even in peace time. Of course as I write this our nation is at war, and not at peace. Things are evn worse for our men and women in combat. Try to imagine not ever being able to let your guard down, To have to be alert even when you are asleep. Even if you can imagine this you are not even close to understanding what our combat vets go through. I honestly don't believe that anybody that hasn't been there truly could. We can however be grateful, and be generous about showing our gratitude. Our greatest gratitude is of course reserved for those who died to defend us. This is as it should be, and what Memorial Day is all about.

Even in the best of circumstances the members of our military endure a whole laundry list of sacrifices. Educations and careers put on hold, long periods away from family, injuries both physical and mental. We should be undyingly grateful to all who have worn our uniform. They have all sacrificed more than we will probably ever know. Yet they have done so proudly, without reservation and gladly. Next time you see a veteran or a member of the military I encourage you to show your thanks and appreciation. Not just for what that individual has done for all of us, but to that individual as a representative of those who died for us.

My sincere prayer is that each of you will have a safe and happy Memorial Day. As for those who died so we could enjoy this and every other holiday, may God rest Their Souls.