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Thank You for Your Service

Like most grandparents, we attend sporting events in which our grandchildren participate. Last night it was two football games back to back. We arrived early to get our stadium seats. Relatives from the opposing teams arrived in droves and proceeded to mingle with the home team fans. Noting I was wearing my Navy veteran hat, several stopped to shake my hand and say, "Thank you for your service". A thoughtful gesture not given freely in the past, but still appreciated today.

Most former service members are patriots who were willing to give their lives, and many did, to preserve our way of life and the freedoms we cherish so dearly. Those who have never served in our armed forces find it difficult to identify with the deep loyalty and patriotism which is strengthened by our participation and sacrifice. No one chooses to serve in our military for the pay, benefits or esteem. Many who served, like Senator John McCain, expressed the honor and character building from their military service and we're proud of it. Nothing more need be said except, "Thank You for Your Service, John McCain."

For those of us who have been around for a while, we remember a divided America and the protests of the 60's against the war in Viet Nam. No service member exiting their tour of duty from the war in Viet Nam should have been disrespected for their service -- NO ONE. Regardless of sex, race, or political beliefs, all should have been respected for their service, but that was not the case. I can testify to that.

Tracking down and eliminating Usama bin Ladin and President Trump's rebuilding our depleted military from years of sequestration (fancy word for undercutting our military budget by President Obama and Congress) has helped to restore the respect for those who serve in our military. 

Yet, today America seems as divided as it was in the 60's.  Falsehoods from leaders about weapons of mass destruction in Iraq to attempts by Barack Obama to move the USA away from a centerist consensus to more socialist views have brought about more civil disobedience and distrust of politicians, media, and academia. Even polling is no longer a reliable guide.

Grevience politics, re-engineering social beliefs and rewriting history will not change the facts and reliability of our Constitution on which we have depended for over 235 years. 

  • Those who say our Constitution is out of date and should be a living document should READ the document and the history which supports it.
  • Those who say "democratic socialism", providing lots of free stuff by the government is an improvement over capitalism, take a hard look at Cuba, Venezuela, Nicaragua, and similar attempts at socialism. Better yet, go and live in one of those countries.
  • Those who would deny the factual history of our Republic, the good, bad and the ugly, should realize that rewriting history books will NOT change the facts. Retribution will NOT make it better nor change the path America has followed.
  • Those who see identity politics and illegal immigration as a means to change America should be aware of what you ask for. Utopia is never achieved and life is never fair.

As Senator John McCain publically emphasized over and over, he was humbled by America and the freedom it provides all of its citizens. He said it was his privilege to serve his country with NO strings attached. God bless you John McCain and "Thank You for Your Service". 

Capt. Alan Shepard served his country well. Our first manned space flight (shown here) and two trips to the moon and back. Thank you for your service Al.