Some gave all...

And I'm proud to be an American

where at least I know I'm free,
And I won't forget the ones who died

who gave that right to me,

And I gladly stand up next to you

and defend her still today,

'Cause there ain't no doubt I love this land

God Bless the U.S.A.

- Lee Greenwood

This weekend is the official start of summer for most of America.  We will celebrate on the lake, at the pool, floating the river or at home with friends and family.  We will enjoy hotdogs, hamburgers, barbecue, potato salad, cole slaw, beer, soda and a host of other foods and drinks.  We will laugh, brag, cry, argue and play.  We will sleep until noon, eat often, and go to bed way too late.  Hopefully it will be a great holiday weekend, celebrating a little piece of who we are and why we love our country.  The freedom to be ourselves, eat what we want, go where we wish, and enjoy life how we desire. 

However, these freedoms did not come without sacrifice.  Some of you are sacrificing right now.  Some of you are men and women of our Armed Forces on active duty and reserve.  You are stationed around the world, or you are lucky to be at home, but always one phone call away from harm’s way.  Some of you are wives and husbands of these brave men and women, and you hold down the fort while they are gone.  Some of you are parents and children, and you pray every day for their safe return.  Some of you have served your country in the past, some of you retired from the military, and some of you were wounded.  To all of you, we say thank you.  Thank you for your service, thank you for your sacrifice, thank you for being willing to go when called.

"All gave some and some gave all
And some stood through for the red, white and blue

And some had to fall

And if you ever think of me

Think of all your liberties and recall

Some gave all"

- Billy Ray Cyrus

Many have made the ultimate sacrifice.  Many have given their life so that we can be free.  To those men and women, we wish we could say thank you.  We wish we could let them know how grateful we are and how humbled we are at their sacrifice, but we cannot.  However, we can say thank you to their families.  To the wives, husbands, brothers, sisters, sons, daughters and parents of those who have given their life, thank you.  Your father, mother, husband, wife, brother, sister, son or daughter were willing to go when called and made the ultimate sacrifice and they will not be forgotten. 

So, on this Memorial Day 2012, celebrate the best way you know how.  Enjoy the weekend and have fun.  Just take a minute to remember those who have sacrificed and those who continue to sacrifice.  And if you meet one of our brave men and women or their families, be sure to tell them thank you.  They deserve it.

Happy Memorial Day!  Stay safe!!