On Memorial Day - Thank You, Thank You, Thank You!

Daddy was in the Navy, Uncle Booz was a fighter pilot in the South Pacific, Geronimo fought in World War II and Korea, and Leroy dropped from the heavens over Normandy into hell on the beaches. Thank you.

The Greatest Generation didn’t seek fame or this moniker but had it thrust upon them because of the timing of their birth and the world they grew up and too many died in. The Veterans and the families that loved and often buried them made sacrifices that are incomprehensible to those of us that followed.

Their children were the baby boomers - “the hippies” - the “me” generation. We were the beneficiaries of their sacrifice and hard work. We grew up in an Ozzie and Harriet world - that in no way paralleled the trauma they suffered. As we grew older we learned of the inner turmoil that followed many of these Veterans for their lifetime in a post war world. War is hell and it is not turned off by a peace treaty.

When our time came to serve - we, in the stereotype, did not enthusiastically follow in the steps of our fathers. Many of us served as volunteers other were reluctant warriors as draftees. Most struggled with our options - many went, some ran. War is never good - Vietnam was controversial at best, political and maybe even unnecessary at worst. War is hell. Thank you.

Today wars continue on two major fronts - Iraq and Afghanistan. With an all volunteer force it is now a choice more than an obligation. Thank God and the individual Marine, Sailor, Soldier, Air Man or Woman, or Coast Guard Member for the sacrifices they choose to make. War is still hell. Thank you.

As for the future - there will always be war. It will always be hell. The good news for me and the news I want to spread today is that you need not fear about the future of our military. Worry about politics and the political leadership if you must but be comforted in the fact that our Armed Forces are not just good but are great.

In June of 2006, I was honored to participate in the U. S. Army War College National Security Seminar in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I’d define the War College as Graduate School for the future leadership of the country’s military. During the last week of their year 200 civilians are integrated into their classrooms and lives to provide a civilian’s perspective on life and for us as civilians to learn and be awed by the substance of these young (relative to me) warriors and peacemakers.

Nothing in my life has given me more comfort in the future of our country, our world, and our individual lives than getting to know and appreciate the quality of leadership that permeates all branches of our military. For five days I met the brightest, hardest working, best educated, and most disciplined individuals assembled on any campus anywhere. Our past has been paid for - our future is being written and the writers, the leaders, and the future are bright. Thank you!

MGM