Memorial Day!

Memorial Day is a holiday for us to celebrate those who've served in any branch of the US military. Some survived wars, some are walking wounded, some died. All were brave and committed to their oath to follow orders and protect our nation.

    It's a day to salute them and remember their sacrifices.

Navy.                                                                                  Marines.                                                       


                                                     

                                                        












Army.




                                 


                                                                                             Air Force.


              

       THANK YOU ALL!
                        





Photos: Flickr: Beverly & Pack, Ambert, MATEUS_27:24&25, San Diego Shooter, Tom Carmony, Waiting line's photostream, US Army IMCOM.
Marianne/April

National Freedom Day

Okay...I'm a flag waver. Always have been and always will be. Freedom comes with a price, and sometimes we definitely forget that.

I remember listening to stories my father and uncles would tell about World War II and how they were in the military. Even visited Pearl Harbor and honored those who died in WWII.



In college during the Vietnam era, I was a dorm representative for our student council government. We were asked to vote for an anti-war statement. I was one of two who wouldn't vote for it. Again, that flag waver in me felt as if I had to support the military...and I hadn't been given the chance to poll those I represented.

My husband spent two tours in Vietnam. No one cared then. His devotion to the military and decision to make the Army his career didn't change how I felt for him. I knew the risks he'd take, in the name of keeping us free, and married him.

Those who protest anything and everything sometimes don't remember that they're able to do that because others made sacrifices for their freedom. Respect for those protecting us took a turn after 9/11. Sad to say, but that one day changed how many felt about their freedom and lives. As the years pass, some show signs of forgetting just how terrible those days in September 2001 felt, and how we need to constantly be on guard to insure our freedom.

My son's unit should be going to Afghanistan this year. He's ready. He knows the risks, as do I. Do I want him to go? No. No one wants war. No mother wants her son or daughter to go. But, he has a job to do for his country. Men and women in uniform will fight "over there" to protect us "over here" and keep the ideals of freedom from disappearing.

Fly your flag. I do, every day. Show your patriotism. Thank those in the military when you see them in uniform. Freedom isn't something to take for granted...it's something we've enjoyed, thanks to the hard work of others.

Photos: Flickr: Fausxt_digit, Frank Hale, The Gifted Photographer's photostreams.

In "Strip Poker for Two" by April Ash, my hero is an Army officer. Gotta love those men in uniforms, as the heroine quickly finds out! Check out this book at my website: http://www.aprilash.net/
Coming 19 February: "Anything You Can Do" by Marianne Stephens. Go to http://www.mariannestephens.net/ for more information. "Gone to the Dogs" is now available in print.