Honoring those Who Have Fallen in Iraq and Afghanistan

As the Iraq War drags on, it is important to remember the sacrifices of America's men and women who have given their lives in service to their country. Though the war may be unpopular in many circles, the young men and women who fight it are serving honorably and with great courage against an often unseen enemy. I am proud of my many friends who have served two, three, four, and even five tours in Iraq or Afghanistan. Each one has told me that they see progress over there on each successive deployment, something you rarely catch on the news. May our efforts in Iraq bring peace and stability to the region and its people.

God bless those who have paid the ultimate price this Memorial Day.

Thank you Vietnam Veterans on Memorial Day

Vietnam Veterans were not given the kind of welcome they deserved when they returned from the war. Many Americans confused the policies of the US government with the courageous and honorable service of the young men and women who ended up fighting the war.

The Wall at the Vietnam Veterans' Memorial attests to the high price paid by young Americans to preserve freedom in Southeast Asia. On Memorial Day, it is fitting to remember all those who died serving their country in Vietnam.

Thank you. You are appreciated. You are not forgotten. And you are missed.

Thank you Korean War Vets

A lone bugler pays tribute to newly-buried American soldiers killed in Korea.

An American soldier trudges through the cold and snow.
The Korean War Memorial is a fitting tribute to the sacrifices of Americans in Korea.

You are the men and women of the forgotten war, but we will never forget you or your sacrifices. This American salutes you on Memorial Day, and prays for those left behind who gave the ultimate sacrifice.

In Heartfelt Thanks on Memorial Day

The original flag-raising on Iwo Jima, often overlooked by history.
A B-17 Flying Fortress goes down over Europe.
Airborne Rangers get ready to jump into Normandy the day before D-Day.
German POWs assemble graves near the beaches shortly after D-Day.
The British lovingly tend the American cemeteries in England. Truly, they have not forgotten.

Heartfelt thank you to all veterans of the Allied powers who fought in World War Two. Your sacrifices gave us our freedom and saved the world from tyranny. In a day and age when the word 'hero' is used for grown men who hit balls with sticks or throw pigskin in children's games, it is fitting that the word be returned to those who truly deserve the moniker.

I am honored to know so many of our Greatest Generation, many of them veterans. A better group of men rarely walked the earth. They answered the call of duty, served with courage and honor, and returned to build a better world for us all.

Thank you.