say Thank You

I opposed (and still do) the invasion of Iraq.  I understand that the invasion of Afghanistan had a legitimate purpose, but I question the infusion of more soldiers at the present time.  I disagree with Dick’s philosophy that every answer to every foreign policy issue is the application of our military.  But when I see a man or woman in uniform, I say thank you.

My wife questioned me about this.  I am thankful that service men and women are, in Jack Nicholson’s words, “up on that wall.”  Someone definitely has to be.  And while my life’s path didn’t lead me to serve my country in uniform, I have a basic respect for those who do, from my childhood best friend who went on to serve in the Army Rangers; to the staff sergeant I shared a red eye flight with to witness President Obama’s inauguration; to the waitress at the restaurant near my school who just returned from an extended tour in Iraq; to the young soldier who just walked by me on the plane.  I don’t know any of them personally.  I have spoken to all of them, though.  I’ve said thank you.

There is, in my estimation, nothing more noble than to put one’s body, the only self that we know of on this planet, between harm and home.  Whether done for selfless or selfish reasons, the service (and therefore the sacrifice) is noble.

A short aside – when I was in sixth grade glee club, we sang the Marine Corps Hymn.  I toyed with going into the Marines just because the song was so cool,

“From the Halls of Montezuma

To the shores of Tripoli

We will fight our country’s ba-attles

On the air, on land and sea.

First we fight for right and freedom

and to keep our honor clean

We are proud to claim the ti-itle

Of the United States’ Marines.”

As Memorial Day passes, and we take the time to salute and honor the fallen, remember to take the time to thank those still standing.