They were the ones just doing the jobs they were asked to do.
They were the ones who were told to jump. And their response was how high. They were the ones who have been asked to do things we civilians could barely imagine. They are the ones who have honored, served and protected our nation.
They are the ones who on a given day would travel half-way round the globe to a strange and far-away land in hopes of providing a better world.
They are the ones whom through their courage, actions and sacrifices have given us so many freedoms we have today. The freedom to choose, the freedom to dream, the freedom to be all we can be anytime, anyplace.
They are the men and women who over years of service to the country have left an indelible mark on our history and in our minds. Be it through their own choice to enlist in the service because of a sense of duty, or because of being drafted in a time of need, these people have shown just what dedication, commitment, service, bravery and passion are all about.
This weekend, there are parades, meetings, conventions and other gatherings in honor of them and what they gave. And rightfully so. In a way, it's a shame we only honor them one day a year.
But there are others who are a part of this as well. The families who stayed back at home holding down the fort when the soldiers went off to do their jobs. The wives and husbands and parents and children and friends who did the best they could to keep going, never knowing what was to come.
Quite often, they had no idea what was going on, what their family member was doing, where they were heading, when they would be coming home. It's difficult to know what would be better, not knowing as things were in the past, or seeing what is going on because of all the media coverage we have today.
As men and women head off to parts-unknown, there will be countless others waiting for their return. They will continue to take care of children, go to work, write letters, watch the news, go to sporting events and try to live life as best they can.
Once all is said and done and our soldiers return home, we'll all be able to rest a little bit easier. Because like the veterans before, they are doing what is expected of them, they are doing their jobs the best they know how, and they will hope to leave the world a little better of a place then they found it.
Thank you… all of you.
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David Stoddard
The Unmotivated Motivational Writer
www.djstoddard.com
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