Who are you remembering this Memorial Day?

We have friends who have been deployed, some we know were sent over right after marriage or birth of their children.

They give so much of themselves for the greater good for all of us.

They will be remembered and honored all day today and beyond, and I will be participating in the 3pm moment of silence that many are having.

Well put Sally - thanks for the post.

Whilst not a member of the military, I did receive a call from someone I know in military service in 2005, asking if I could assist in Iraq. Five days later I was on my way. I was the first certified examiner (CSI) to arrive in country. I served for 18 months in the Baghdad region and out to the west in Fallujah and Ar Ramardi. Although I did get a nice 10 day vacation in Germany when med-evaced out in summer 2006.

I feel we do not appreciate what our vets have done in support of their service, be it abroad in hostile environments, or closer to home. Whether people are for or against the Iraq/Afghanistan conflict, I am of the opinion it is always better to confront the terrorist but, "not on your own soil." It may be more expensive to undertake this course, but there is certainly a lesser chance of civilian (US) casualties. It concerns protecting our local borders here by taking the issue to the enemy. Not waiting for them to wreak havoc here. This is not about our freedoms, but more about our safety in the homeland.

Injuries are up and deaths are down, due to modern technology being deployed, be it body armor or other technology (not for discussion here).

This is a day to honor all vets. Those who gave their life with the ultimate sacrifice, those that have been injured and those that still serve, doing a great deal for minimum reward and at times, on the end of venomous comment from the media and ridicule from small pockets of society. They serve with honor and we should not forget the sacrifice to themselves and their families - for our benefit.

Honor them today.

Graham

Janet & Graham Ford SRES MSA CSP e-PRO
Broker & Associate
NE OK Region Real Estate
www.janetford.com
info@janetford.com

Sally, so many of our service men and women never came back from their missions alive. That Vietnam memorial wall is amazing when you see all those names. Thanks for the reminder on the real meaning of this day.

Sally - I am remembering my mother-in-law, who was one of the first female Captains in the U.S. Army.  She passed away last week.

Sally - two of my best friends, Jeffrey Roberto and Bruce Winters passed in the same helicopter crash in 1993; their two aircrewmen also perished with them. My dad and oldest brother, although passed not due to military activity, are both veterans. Many of the de la Vega men are prior military service members. So many others...