Lee Greenwood Rules...

I missed yesterday for writing. Oh well, it was Veteran’s Day and I can pretend that I was spending time honoring veterans. I wasn’t, in my line of work I deal with banks, lenders, title companies and ultimately clients. Three of those four weren’t available so I spent the day working out and running errands with my wife. Being that yesterday was a federal holiday to celebrate the men and woman who died for the freedom of this country it might be worthwhile to comment on that subject.
My dad was in the military when I was very young. I was actually born in the city where he was stationed with his particular branch of the armed forces. While he was in basic training he received a reward that singled him out for extraordinary achievement within his particular group of men, about 1000 people. I know that it was an achieve that helped him to see that he had ability to rise above mediocrity and be successful. More importantly, for that time in his life he felt successful.
I have seen other men in similar situations use the armed forces as a stepping stone to become more than they would have made of themselves otherwise. My heritage has a history of men that have dedicated a great portion of their lives to that cause. I never saw that route as one for me, but I respect what the sacrifice that endeavor represents.
Our country has been in somewhat of a confusing time recently. It is not surprising that with all of the different opinions on the Presidential Administration and the handling of conflict after September 11 that some might over look the role that the individual plays in upholding the ideals for which our country stands. Behind each soldier is a story. All have families, all are children, some are parents…brothers, sisters, and friends. Past or present, each has a very personal dedication to freedom and wishes a safe return home after justice has been restored. Whatever personal agenda might have lead each soldier to join, it cannot be overlooked the sacrifice that each has to our county; a sacrifice that could ultimately end in death. I repeat that despite the personal opinion that we have on why they are fighting, the individual is what makes it possible to defend freedom. I hope that each of us will examine our own dedication to freedom and see where we might contribute more fully. Whether it be being more tolerant to those who don’t think like we do, holding true to what we know is right, or extending ourselves to others, I implore that we might be more like the men and woman that defend our country.