Sweet Land of Liberty

As I've been thinking about Memorial Day, I realized that although I've known many people who have served, or currently serve in the military, I thankfully don't know anyone personally who has died while in the service of our country.  Then I remembered meeting Pat Tillman briefly on the football field at ASU in 1996.  I snapped this picture as he was running off the field (it's COOL isn't it??) and then asked his younger brother (who lived in my dorm) if he would ask him to autograph it for me!  He did...and all these years later, I still have it, and still think his story is such a sad one.  If you haven't heard Pat's story, go HERE to read more.

I am forever in awe of the bravery, courage and sense of duty that men (and women!) feel that motivates them to join and fight in the military.  I am terrified of it all.  Every movie, TV show, documentary, book, article, etc. that I hear about war and the atrocities of war continually reminds me that these people are EXCEPTIONAL in every sense of the word. 

I am so proud to be American, and hope that I too would have what it takes to fight for freedom and protect my family if it came down to it.  But until then, I will continue to support our troops and veterans with respect and reverence in my heart for all that they have done and still do for us, and people throughout the world. 

I hope you will be able to take some time this weekend to honor those who have sacrificed so much, even their lives, for our country's continued freedom.  Count your blessings and share your patriotism with your family! 

Have a fun, and safe holiday weekend!

xoxo, Shari