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The faces of freedom
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War is horrible. It brings about death, destruction and division of families. Yet without it, we could not know what it is to have freedom, liberty or hope. The men and women who choose to serve our country do so knowing it isn't glamorous or a real life video game but an all-or-nothing choice to protect and/or take back our country from those who seek to harm and disable these freedoms, rights and priviledges.
According to the US Department of Defense, beginning with the American Revolution, over 43 million Americans have served their country during wartime. Of those, more than 1 million have given their life in service. And of course the numbers are still growing. Stop and let that sink in for just a moment...
I have been personally touched by many who have served and are serving. I think of the humble vets of WW2 that I spend each Wednesday morning with, members of the Patriot Guard Riders that I have come to know and the countless others who have crossed my path.
But I would like to specifically recognize those who I am priviledged to know on a very personal level.
| Family | Friends |
| A.W. Merillat - USAF | Michael Browning - USMC |
| A.P. Merillat - USAF | David Devaney - USMC |
| John Stalvey - USMC KIA 10/3/05 | Mike Evans - USMC |
| Josh Merillat - US Army | James Moran - USMC |
| Andrew Merillat - US Army | Michael Ragan - USMC |
| Ryan Erickson - USAF | Scott Milam - USMC |
| Lois Schaffnit - USMC | Scott Kelly - US Army |
Thank you for serving your country. Thank you for the sacrifices you and your families have made. Because of you, war has a face - a face that I know, I can see and touch. I cannot and will not take our flag, our freedom, our national anthem - or a veteran for granted. Yes, war has a face - but because of you, so does freedom.
Thank you all.
