There is a military base I frequent often in California’s gorgeous central coast area where you can drive for miles after entering its main gate without seeing another soul. The scenery is always nice and the mood peaceful, yet every few hundred yards or so, a roadside sign with just one or two words will appear that demands attention.
Loyalty. Duty. Respect. Selfless Service. Honor. Integrity. Personal Courage.
These are the core values of the U.S. Army and what every Soldier learns in basic training and embeds in to their being. Of course the other service branches have their own variations; Honor, Courage, Commitment (Navy); Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do (Air Force); Honor Courage, Commitment (Marine Corps).
I am not a member of the military, but I have had the privilege of working with many across all branches these past 15 or so years as part of my job as a government contractor. Every person I’ve dealt with and almost without exception, has exemplified those core values along with being highly intelligent, motivated and polite, always so darned polite and a pleasure to do business with.
I am extremely proud and grateful that these are the men and women that represent America around the world and play a role in keeping us and our country safe from harm.
Many, too many really, have died in that role and we must always remember them and the sacrifices they and their loved ones made in our defense and for the ability we have to live and breath in freedom today.
Saying a mere thank you seems like an insult, but it’s all I have and it’s all a service member would accept anyway. So thank you from the bottom of my heart to all who have served, especially those who have given the ultimate sacrifice and to those who unfortunately will in the future.
Freedom Through Empowerment 
Beautifully written, Tricia. I have a friend who wears a T-shirt that says “The land of the free, because of the brave!” That seems to sum it up perfectly for me.
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Sums it up for me too Al. And thank you for your years of dedicated service Al!
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Beautiful Tricia—it just seems that we, the average citizen, just takes it for granted that they are there—-It is amazing what we are truly free to do, that we give no never mind to, because they are doing what they do every single day….
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Thanks Julie and I agree it does seem many take for granted or just don’t think much about the vey fact that we are alive because of the many dead left on battlefields around the world.
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I confirm your words about the values exhibited by the men and women of our armed forces. I interact with them in the classroom regularly, and I greatly respect every one of them. Thank you for a powerful post. J.
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Cheers to all that gave it all!
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A short video showing a different perspective from a non American narrow view. I am saddened for all the veterans who gave their all and my heart goes out to them. As a human being, we must question why they had to sacrifice. Did they sacrifice for a just and proper cause? Or were they lied too? Henry Kissinger called American Soldiers stupid dumb animals. I am offended and I am against all wars. I am a Patriot and am wondering when the vulgar herd stops swallowing the BS we get every day. Do you care that America is at war constantly? Do you notice? Does anyone have the ability to think about this or does everyone have paradigm paralysis?
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Wanna see paradigm paralysis, look at Europe. And lets see how that works out for them over the next decade. Si vis pacem parabellum! BS comes in different flavors; be careful you don’t choke on it!
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I took your video link out. It’s produced by RT America, a well know Russian propaganda outlet which will not be promoted here. David, this post is about honoring our dead vets and is not the place for your conspiracy theory views. I understand you have a lot to say and feel it’s important to get your truth’ out but my blog won’t be an outlet for it. You should do the work and create your own.
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It’s a shame we have a tendency to wait 365 days before taking the time to remember the valor our military possess and the sacrifices made. It is a fact we often take for granted. The older I get the more I realize how blessed I am living in this amazing country with all the opportunities available for ANYONE willing to pursue them. These opportunities exist because these brave men and women are willing to defend our values with their lives. They deserve so much more than an annual “thank you”.
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Completely agree Jonathan, very well said.
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Well said, Tricia! 🙂
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Thank you!
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Great photo GP!
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Hi Tricia
I’m in San Jose – where is this located? Beautiful – just beautiful.
Thanks!
Tracey
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Hi Tracey, the base is at Fort Hunter Liggett just south of Monterey. The photo is one I took at the American cemetery in Normandy. Thanks for coming by!
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I love the words. Some of those were painted big on the walls of the UFC gym T spent his early 5 yrs in. Unfortunately, not all the coaches exemplified those virtues. But yes, where would America be without our s/heroes who do?
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That’s cool that the gym had those words so prominently displayed. Very uncool though that some of the coaches didn’t exemplify them. Where would we be indeed Diana?
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