Thank you

Since it's Memorial Day, I wanted to take a moment to thank all those who have served or are currently serving in our armed forces. We are privileged to live in the most wonderful country in the world. For all its issues, America is still a great and beautiful country - both in size, majesty and spirit. I am very proud to be an American and am thankful to those who have served to protect this country and its people. The daily sacrifices that our service men and women make are difficult for most of us to imagine. Even if the ultimate sacrifice is not required, service takes a toll on the families involved.

In what seems like a lifetime ago, I was once a navy wife for 4 years. I have never forgotten watching first hand what the military can do to families. Parents miss the every day miracles of their children's lives, not to mention birthdays, Christmases, and other special occasions. Time, once lost, that can never be regained. Young children cry while watching mom or dad leave, and then cry when they return months and months later because they no longer recognize them. Marriages are tested through financial strain, infidelity, and the sheer stress of leading separate lives linked tenuously by phone calls, email and letters. All this against the backdrop of knowing that when you say goodbye, you may never see each other again. This danger is even all the more real in today's reality of endless war.

I hold a special place in my heart for the military families - for those left behind when the service men and women leave. Married moms and dads that are essentially single parents with all the responsibilities that entails in addition to worrying about their loved one. My heart goes out to them along with my prayers and thanksgiving.

Our military men and women, along with their families, are some of today's heroes. To all of you...thank you for your service, your dedication, and your sacrifice. God bless you and, God Bless America.