Always remember, never surrender.

Having served in the US Air Force during Desert Storm, I remember those coming back to the rear after having been in battle. The pilots who flew over Baghdad came back with a distant look as if they had crossed over to another reality. When you would ask them questions, they stared up into the distance and you knew mentally they were transported back to the battle. A young captain described the flight into the city for his bombing run as a massive  video game. He described the anti aircraft artillery cris crossing the air as if shooting stars were coming from the Earth not falling to it. More and more airmen gathered around to hear  him recount of his battle and mission. The question came up, "Cap do you think you killed anyone"? The captain answer, "I used my training, I completed my mission".

Now for over a decade young men and women have used their training and completed their missions. This weekend as we are comfortable in our homes and we relax on our lakes and our beaches, remember them. Remember that that red stripe on our flag in real human blood given to free us. Given to defend and protect us. Never forget that what we have here in America is worth the sacrifice of any one of us, because what we have here adds worth to the human race. Donate some time and treasure to a veterans organization. If you see a soldier, marine, airmen at a restaurant, buy them a meal or shake their hands and say thanks. Thanks to them we are stronger, thanks to them we are free.