Today is Memorial Day. This is a day that is set aside to remember and honor the brave men and women who presently serve in the armed forces, but more importantly, it is a day that is set aside to commemorate those who have served and have given their lives to protect the freedoms that we so cherish. As a 20 year retired United States Navy veteran, I humbly and proudly salute the valiant men and women who daily put their lives on the line so that we can continue to be the land of the free and the home of the brave. Every flag draped coffin that arrives in a hometown carrying the body of a fallen soldier is a constant reminder that freedom is not free. The freedoms that we so enjoy come with a hefty price tag -- that price tag often being the spilled blood of a close friend or loved one who unselfishly fought to help keep freedom alive. As we celebrate this Memorial Day let us pause to say a prayer for the continual safety and well being of our men and women of the armed forces. May God bless each of them and may God bless the United States of America.

Keith Lionel Brown
Electronics Technician First Class
United States Navy, Retired

Tags: Freedom Military War Peace