"It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt
When I served in the US Army, I was honored to have one of my soldiers personally create a piece of art for me bearing this, one of my favorite quotes. I proudly displayed this artwork until the day I left the military.
I don't always agree with American foreign policy. In fact, I often disagree with it. But on this day...and everyday...we must remember that soldiers aren't responsible for creating American foreign policy. Soldiers aren't responsible for STRATEGY...they are responsible for employing the TACTICS which hopefully accomplish America's strategic goals.
American soldiers are Black and White...Gay and Straight...Republican and Democrat...English speaking and Spanish speaking...Male and Female...Christian, Jewish and Muslim...Political and apolitical...God fearing and Atheist.
When a soldier gets an order to go into a combat zone, he or she follows it. And, that order may have been given by a President for whom he or she did not vote! But, the soldier follows that order.
All soldiers serve...all soldiers bleed...and many soldiers die!!
So on this Memorial Day, please take the time to reflect on those who have served and died for the rights and privileges which many take for granted.
Until we rendezvous...
Peace!!
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