For many of us, Memorial Day is a four day weekend and another reason to get together with our friends and families for cook-outs and fireworks. It's that way for me too, but it's more. It's a time to reflect on freedom and the sacrifice and cost of that freedom.
This is my son, Corporal Troy Blackstone, and he is a true American hero. I say this, not only because he's my son, but because of his service record. In July, he will celebrate his 21st birthday. He is not old enough to legally drink, but he has been deployed to Afghanistan three times. On his first deployment, he was injured by an IED (improvised explosive device). He doesn't tell anyone, but he was awarded the Silver Star and a purple heart. He tries not to walk with a limp, which he will have for the rest of his life. He's unassuming about what he's done - it's his job is what he'll tell you.
We can sit around in our backyards or around our pools because of the men and women who, like my son, volunteered for military service because they think freedom is worth the sacrifice. Warmongers? no way! Patriotic? you bet! The next time you see a man or woman in uniform, thank them - for freedom of speech, for being able to sleep peacefully at night, for the right to protest against them, against war, against our government. They are some one's son, daughter, mother, father, sister, or brother and they deserve the utmost respect and admiration.
On this Memorial Day, take a moment and silently thank those who freely gave their lives for your freedom.
