We live in the greatest country in the world! It isn't perfect here in the United States of America, but it's still better than anywhere else. We enjoy freedoms here that allow us to choose our own paths and make our own decisions; freedoms that cannot be found anywhere else on this planet. But these freedoms were not just given to us; they were earned by men and women willing to lay down their lives to protect them.
It's easy to become complacent in this country because we have enjoyed this way of living for so long that now we expect, rather than respect the abundance of choices that we have. This becomes a problem when we start forgetting the price that was paid for us to live in this great country.
Many lives have been lost to protect our rights over the years, and the fight is never over. We must continue to stand up for our country, for our freedom. We must recognize and honor those who willingly volunteer to defend us. And, we must never forget those who made the ultimate sacrifice protecting our homeland.
So, this weekend, as you celebrate Memorial Day, I hope you wear the red, white and blue with pride and you remember what this holiday is really about. Think about the Americans living on the other side of the planet, in the Afghanistan heat. Remember them as you sip your cool, refreshing lemonade. Think about the families who would give anything to share one more backyard barbeque with a loved one they lost to war. Think about the men and women who have died so that you can celebrate this holiday in the safety of your own home, with the comfort of your friends and family around.
We owe it to our country to fight for the memory of those who gave all. Let us never forget!
Semper Fi,
Dakota
No one could say it better than that! God bless you and thank you so much,Dakota. Love&gratitude always to all those who serve and have served to protect&defend our nation!
ReplyDeleteEven those that return have made a tremendous sacrifice. Thank you, Dakota, for making your sacrifices. Semper Fi.
ReplyDeleteAmen.
ReplyDeleteIt was a weekend filled with emotion, sadness and hope. I'll never be thankful enough to those who have given their all in order that I may live so freely.
ReplyDeleteDakota,
ReplyDeleteI know I can't assist you with your struggle but I offer you my gratitude and support. My husband and I are also former Marines. We fly our National Colors on holidays and special occasions and our Marine Corps Colors on The Birthday, Veterans Day, and Memorial Day. Beginning tomorrow, June 8, 2012, we will fly our Marine Corps Colors on the 8th of each month in honor of your team.
Semper Fi.
Dakota,
ReplyDeleteAs a military vet, I salute you. Your words above bring meaning to so many families and to Veterans all over this land.
2014 Memorial Day will be my day to remember the actions of SFC Kenneth Westbrook as I dedicate my 2014 RFTW (www.rftw.org) mission to him.
Thank you for bringing your message here.