“Where Valor Proudly Sleeps”

So reads the motto of Arlington National Cemetery. When I discovered that today, I was awed by its absolute appropriateness. And I am now compelled to say, “Sleep well my valorous protectors. Sleep with the knowledge that I will never forget your endeavors; your personage will never be tarnished by changing political or social views, and that you will always stand as the ultimate example of humankind’s capacity for and love of freedom and life.”

Rest well, my defenders. Sleep covered in the warm blanket of my appreciation, and rest assured in the knowing that many, many Americans are following the path that you blazed with your sacrifices.

The blanket under which you sleep is actually a quilt. It is a patchwork made of the millions of honorable deeds of our living and of our dead. It is a “crazy-quilt” comprised of all of the deeds and sacrifices of every man or woman or child who has ever sacrificed in the name of freedom and liberty, that is stitched together to comfort you. It also comforts me. You share this quilt with the living.

My father was in the Army. I was in the Army. My nephew and the best friend I ever hope to have are both in the Air Force. Many of my friends have relatives serving, are themselves in service, or are veterans of the armed services, and I am proud to say that their choice is a big part of why they are my friends.

The quilt, under which you sleep, my treasured veterans, is an ever-expanding cover. For each recruit who enters the service of this country, another warming and comforting square is added. For each American who stands-up and says, “I need to do something about this.” another layer of batting is added to warm you. The conflicts in which you fought and died in may well be over, but please know that we remember. And that the spirit of your sacrifice is alive and well.

I love you all. I salute you all. I thank you all. And to all of you that are still serving, “I got yer’ back.”

God bless our armed forces and their families. And God bless our determination.

sniff I'm tearing up here people. this pic is now my desktop picture

Lord God of hosts. be with us yet...
Lest we forget...lest we forget.
--Rudyard Kipling

I am the nephew in the article written by Kabar. I am an Air Force Sergeant serving in Oklahoma City. It feels good to know that the public is behind our armed services. Not only is Kabar my family, my blood, he is my best friend. Thanks for all you do Kabar. I never worry for a second, cause' I know you have my back.

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