A salute ... Remember those who gave all so that we could be free

They came from many walks of life -- these men and women. And their lives crossed generations -- some living only a very small portion of the life they could have led had they not volunteered to defend their country.

They left behind families who missed them and a legacy of courage that is a million times more inspiring than the best sports story.

But yet, really, unless they were members of our own families, few of us really know the names of these heroes -- or the true sacrifice they have made. They are not whom we think of first when we are discussing courage and honor -- and they should be.

The men and women who have given their lives in service to this country are why we have the rights we do -- and why this nation is one so many flock to in search of an opportunity and a chance at a better life.

No matter what your political affiliation or how you feel about war in general, there is no question that the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines who have faced enemies in combat are people you should admire and thank for the freedoms you enjoy today.

So today, we should pause to remember them and their families -- and feel very lucky to be in the country they helped protect.

And if we want to honor them properly, we will use their stories and the lessons they can teach to remind the next generation of American citizens just how important it is to safeguard the nation they have left in our care.

That way, the hundreds of thousands of soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines can rest easy knowing that the nation they fought so hard to protect will never, ever forget their sacrifice, and its citizens will forever value the freedoms they defended.

Published in Editorials on May 31, 2010 10:42 AM