We see men and women in military uniforms on a regular basis as we go about our daily lives. They might be in the grocery store or driving past us. We see them, but do we take a moment to thank them? If not openly, do we at least take a moment to think of their sacrifice and their service?
I hope we do that. These are people who volunteered for this duty; they were not drafted to serve. I hope we don't look away in disgust
There are many guard and reserve components that protect us every day. Our National Guard traces its history back to the year 1636; before our country had formed, we had citizen militias protecting us. Almost every one of us knows a family that has had a member who served in the Guard or reserves. We have men and women serving in the marine reserves, naval reserves, army reserves, air force reserves, coast guard reserves and in the Army and Air National Guard.
Many of our guards and reserves are in Afghanistan and Iraq today. They're found along our southern border, at the site of floods, hurricanes and forest fires. They have been called to duty during blizzards to help people and animals. They've been called to help bring peace to the streets during riots. They fly air cover missions daily across our country. They help protect our ports.
They've given of their time; they've spent time away from their families; they've endured the ugliness of some of our citizenry; they have paid with their lives.
These are not war mongers as some might think. These are not ignorant Neanderthals as some might think. These are men and women who know the value of freedom. These are men and women who sacrifice for the rest of us, who are ready at the ring of the telephone to put on their uniform and defend us from whatever has befallen us; be that a forest fire, a flood, a blizzard, an attack that topples the Trade Center buildings or any other need. They're ready to give their lives for us, and many have paid that price.
Isn't it amazing that some of our politicians who can't seem to stomach 'the military' are always ready to call upon the guard and reserves when it suits their purpose?
