On this Memorial Day: The REAL American Idols

I Stand Before You
I stand before you all today
But not one eye can see my way

My time arrived, to leave this earth
A fact so planned, to every birth

It happened where I had to go
My torch for life was so aglow

I transferred while in uniform
Protecting freedom, through a storm

Should I resent I died for you
Not on my life, red white and blue

Please help my family through each day
Tell all my friends, try not to stray

And of the country I did love
Do think of me, through God above

Your memories, brought forth this day
Send love to us, who could not stay

© 2001 Roger J. Robicheau . Former SP5 US Army

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Both of our fathers proudly served in World War II, we think they may have even been in some of the same places at the same time. We'd like to think that perhaps they even met a time or two - we know they would have been fast friends. Rich’s Dad, Charles Kizer, served in the U.S. Army and Georganne’s Dad, William F. Guyan, Sr., served in the U.S. Army Air Forces.

Our families gathered together at Arlington National Cemetery just two years ago when Georganne's father was laid to rest alongside her mother. We visited every Memorial that day, thinking about the sacrifices those brave men and women made for their country and for us. And we spent a long time at the World War II Memorial to honor our fathers and the 16 million who served in the armed forces of the United States, the more than 400,000 who died, and all who supported the war effort from home.

Of course, a blog post isn't much of a way to say thank you, but it's a start. So as we go about our daily lives, enjoying holiday barbeques and opening day at the pool, let's all take a moment to remember the sacrifices of those who died defending our great Nation, those who survived to keep our country strong, and those who proudly serve today.  We could thank them all a million times a day and it still would never, ever be enough.