On Memorial Day, Remembering Those Who Served

The bright red, white and blue, stars and stripes blow graciously in the wind. As we pass by the flying colors some do not give it another thought, some think of the family and friends who have died so it can still fly, and others decorate their entire possessions with the colors of freedom.

As many American flags mark the graves of the soldiers who have fallen this Memorial Day, it is a reminder of how much each person has sacrificed so we have the freedom of speech, religion, and the right to vote. Our nation is one whose independence was won by those in the armed services.

A tremendous sense of patriotism and pride fills us whenever we see the images of another Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Army, Reserve or Guard unit called to duty and sent into harm’s way. When the B-2 Stealth Bomber becomes a speck on the horizon, when the armories have emptied, a sense of gratitude builds within us.

One can look to the history books to get the sense of debt we owe the people sent off to war. Perhaps no better lesson serves than to turn on the evening news or read the day’s paper. Right here today, thousands of American men and women are defending our freedom in a host of spots around the globe.

Our military men and women know, and we know in our hearts, the job will never be completed. One must always stop for a moment to remember as you see the American Flag hear “The Star-Spangled Banner” or a 21-Gun Salute. We should be reminded everyday those who have fallen to give us FREEDOM.

I would also like to take time to reflect on one of the many with whom I served in Iraq. Bryan Nichols was killed in August 2011 while flying a Chinook helicopter over Afghanistan. He was a true friend, and I think about our times together in the military and how dedicated a man he was to his family, friends and his country.