We Salute Our Troops--May 2012

“Thank you for your service.”  These five little words mean so much to our men and women in uniform.  They cost nothing and they are priceless.  It is important for us to remember that every service member, serving now, volunteered to serve.  When you think of the sheer numbers of people serving it is, at once,  taggering and inspiring.  Because of the willingness of, comparatively speaking, a few, all Americans enjoy a sense of safety and security.  Because of those who respond to the call to service the rest of us enjoy freedoms that many throughout the world cannot imagine.

It is right that we reflect on the sacrifices that our service people make and to recognize the sacrifices that military families make.  At first blanch we recognize that birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays are missed.  Ballgames, recitals, camping trips, first steps, other firsts and countless ordinary family times are
missed.   Military spouses shoulder enormous burdens.    At one time or another, they are raising families while their husband or wife is away defending our country.  They are doing it with determination and under the cloud that their entire family life could change in an instant.  The children of military parents are never sure how of how long they will be in the same neighborhood, in the same school or with the same friends.  Parents of those serving are so proud that their adult child is serving.  When that child is deployed an intangible fear, the fear of not knowing, grips their hearts until “boots are on the ground” on American soil.

May is a month to remember those who have served and those who are serving now.  Their uncommon valor and sacrifices have defended our freedoms, protected innocents here and abroad and continue to secure our rights and freedoms.  Congress passed a resolution declaring May “National Appreciation Month” in 2004.  I submitted that this is fitting.  It is also fitting, no matter what time of year, when we see someone in uniform; we take just a moment and say: “Thank you for your service.”  God Bless America and God Bless our troops wherever they may be.