Memorial Day 2014: Earning the Right

 

As a Vet, Memorial Day has always held a special place in my heart. Not for the sake of being recognized as a Veteran, but because it is so important to me personally that ALL AMERICANS recognize and remember all those who have served and pay special homage to those vets and their families who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.

After I came back home from the service, I personally struggled a lot trying to understand why did I get to come home? What made me so special that I got to come back, while so many more deserving young men did not? Call it survivors guilt, call it PTSD, put whatever psychological label you want on it, the Question remains and is a valid one.

After many years of searching for the answer, a reality hit me one day in March of 2008 that was like a ton of bricks. It can best be summed up by the speech given by the “Older Private Ryan” character at the end of the film, Saving Private Ryan:

[last lines; addressing Miller’s grave]
Old James Ryan: My family is with me today. They wanted to come with me. To be honest with you, I…I wasn’t sure how I’d feel coming back here. Every day I think about what you said to me that day on the bridge. I tried to live my life the best that I could. I hope that was enough. I hope that, at least in your eyes, I’ve earned what all of you have done for me.
Ryan’s Wife: James?
[looking at the headstone]
Ryan’s Wife: Captain John H Miller.
Old James Ryan: Tell me I have led a good life.
Ryan’s Wife: What?
Old James Ryan: Tell me I’m a good man.
Ryan’s Wife: You are.
[Ryan stands back and salutes] 

 

Earning the Right to Come Home had more to do with how I lived my life in the HERE AND NOW, rather than thinking about the past and all the “what if’s” that populated it. Earning that Right every day is what motivates me more than anything to be a man of character, honor and integrity.  And so it should go with ALL Americans in my opinion, FREEDOM IS NOT FREE! Earn the Right to live in a Democracy every day of your life!

Unfortunately, and I would be amiss not to mention this, but as we have seen lately those with whom we have entrusted the care of our Vets when they come home, (Our Government via The Dept. of Veteran Affairs) have and are currently failing our Veterans miserably. This is Shameful and there is absolutely no excuse for it. And whats worse is our so called “President”  has done exactly what he has always done when there is a scandal (Remember the NSA Snowden Affair?) First, he downplays it and then appoints a “Committee” to investigate it. This is more of the same impotent bureaucracy obama is famous for and sadly it will accomplish nothing except ensuring our vets keep getting  more of the same: sub-standard medical care or no medical care at all.

Earning the Right. It’s a simple concept really. Too bad those in D.C. seem to miss the point.

So this Memorial Day Weekend go out there and do your part and Thank a Vet for his Service and Say a prayer for all the families who are dealing with the loss of their Hero.

Earn the Right. I know I try every day, are you?

Say Dangerous!