A few weeks before my father passed away, Crossroads Hospice arranged a wonderful "Thank You" celebration in honor of his 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force. The Chaplain read a piece that brought tears to everyone's eyes. Please allow me to share it with you: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code Of Military Justice. So help me God." These words compel us to remember the cost of bringing America this far, and also require us to admit that the price is not yet paid in full. So we are here today to honor you, and acknowledge the debt we owe you and the millions of men and women who, because they so cherished peace, choose to live as warriors. Could anything be more contradictory than the lives of America's armed forces? They love America - so they spend time in foreign lands, far from her shores. They love freedom - and they sacrifice their own so that we may be free. They defend our right to live as individuals - yet they give up their individuality in that cause. Perhaps most paradoxically of all, they value life - and so bravely ready themselves to die in the service of our country. Since the Revolutionary War, more than 42 million men and women have served in the armed forces of the United States. More than 600,000 of those selfless, dauntless warriors have died in combat. But why are we so seemingly willing to fight, and if need be, to die? The answer to that question is as simple, and as complex, as the soul of America itself. We fight not because we believe war is good, but that sometimes it's necessary. Our soldiers fight and die not for the glory of war, but for the prize of freedom. The heart of America is freedom - freedom for ourselves, and for all nations willing to fight for it. Yes, the price is high. But freedom is a form of wealth that no debt can encumber. So we gather here today and choose to remember the past because the payment for forgetfulness is so dear: duty, honor, country - and many times, injury and death. This debt, paid by heroic, gallant men and women, must never be forgotten. Only a foolish people would forget so expensive a lesson. In today's world, freedom comes cloaked in uncertainty, and America continues to rely on her sons and daughters to defend our liberty. The cost of independence remains high, but we are willing to pay for it - not gladly, but with deep reverence, and deep gratitude, to those who have served in our armed forces. We will not forget your sacrifice! America is the Land of the Free precisely because it is, truly, the Home of the Brave. Thank you, Veterans, thank you. Please take a moment on Monday, and reflect on those who have sacrificed so much; and those who continue to do so. This extends to the veterans of ALL nations who cherish freedom. THANK YOU all. How woefully inadequate those two words are... Hopefully, this composite will express in some small way the gratitude owed these courageous and selfless men and women. The A-10 Warthogs are performing the "Missing Man" maneuver in honor of all those who have fallen in the service of their country. All photos by RodS Thank you for stopping by. Hope everyone has a good week.