I am a patriot.  I love this country.  My grandfather flew B-17’s over Germany, my uncle flew fighters in Vietnam, my brother was in the Navy, and I served in the Army.  I would be proud for my son to join and serve if he so desired.  The American flag is flying in front of my house right now, and I love that my neighbor has an even bigger flag draped across the front of his house.   I’ve stood in the rain at Arlington National cemetery to see the Changing of the Guard, I’ve been to Normandy to walk the fields of crosses, and stood on the cliffs of Pointe du Hoc, where the rangers climbed.  I’ve been to Vicksburg and walked those hallowed fields.  I stood in front of the Vietnam Wall, and walked through the Korean War memorial.  All powerful reminders that freedom isn’t free.

I reminded of Thomas Jefferson’s words that “the tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants”.

Today is a day to remember honor, courage, sacrifice, and unyielding dedication to a cause far greater than self.  To all those who served, to all those who gave the last full measure of devotion, and to all those still missing, we remember.  And we are grateful.