THE COMMON DENOMINATOR
Throughout the history of this great land of America, one “common denominator” intrinsically runs through its fiber.
The one “common denominator” is the fact that each and every one of them, from the lowliest private to the highest general has one thing that one thing which makes them all equal.
They were all soldiers, Veterans.
They responded, in times of peace and in times of war. Some were drafted, some enlisted. The fact is, is that each and every individual soldier served his or her country.
Today, we remember and give Honor to those valiant men and women who gave the supreme sacrifice – their lives – for the defense of this great nation, and ALL Veterans. All soldiers killed in the Revolutionary War, the War for Southern Independence, the 1st World, the 2nd World War, Korea, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Iraq and all other wars, are remembered today.
Whatever he or she may have been called, “G.I., grunt, flyboy, leatherneck, swabbie, “doc”, ” whatever ‘name’ one was given, each and everyone that died in battle are solemnly honored today.
Parades bring everyone together and there is a “recognition” given to all participants, in the form of applause and cheers.
The Flag that symbol of freedom of our great land leads the parades, as well as being at the head of various groups. The Flag, containing the red stripes, symbolizes “…the blood we shed…”. Yes, the blood shed by every soldier, especially the soldiers throughout our history who gave their lives for America.
These soldiers are the ones who are to be recognized today. Introspection, prayer, remembering fallen comrades, and thanking God are what we should do today and, …thanking God that we were NOT the ones being honored today.
We were given that freedom to do anything from planting gardens, having barbeques, or attending parades. The fact is, is that we are all FREE to do just that – whatever we want.
That FREEDOM is exactly what each and every one of the soldiers killed in battle for the defense of our freedom has given to each and every one of us.
Without their sacrifices, we would most assuredly NOT have these freedoms.
We are free today, because of them, …those “common denominators”,
…All those soldiers who made the Supreme Sacrifice…
I salute you, my Brothers, both living and departed.
To the Viet Nam Veterans,
"WELCOME HOME!"
John