Memorial day

This put a huge lump in my throat.

Received it in an email, so I can not give credit for the source, or actual date.

The caption reads....

Pearl Harbor survivor Houston James of Dallas embraced Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Graunke Jr. during a Veteran's Day commemoration in Dallas yesterday. Graunke lost a hand, a leg and an eye when he diffused a bomb in Iraq last year. This week's images of U.S. Troops in combat in Fallujah deepened the day's significance for many who attended tributes held in San Diego and across the nation. Assoc. Press.

So, as excited as I am for a sunny warm weekend, this immediately reminded me of the real reason for the *holiday*. I try to remind the kids every year, and really one year will go to Arlington and Washington on this weekend. So many brave brave men, fought hard and lost thier lives for our right to do things like blog, say what we want, live in a free democratic society , without fear of living under the control of tyrants like Sudam Hussien. I have had the pleasure in my job or meeting many many men who fought WW2, and Vietnam. Their stories amaze me. Very many tell me stories of their buddies falling right next to them. Infections. Illness. Freezing cold. Hunger. When you went then, you went for years - 3, 4, 5 years away from home and loved ones. Yet, they are all more than proud to say they were there, and they have all told me they would do it again. They believed in what they were doing, and believe in our troops in Iraq doing good now. To these men, I give my deepest respect every day.