Send our troops a note this 4th weekend!

There is a website that allows messages to be sent to our troops. Please take a minute or two and drop them a note. Let them know that the 4th of July is a great deal more than hot dogs and beer. It is a celebration of our freedom. The same freedom our military is bringing to others around the world. Here is the link:

http://www.dod.mil/americasupportsyou/support/

Here is my note to the troops:

July 2, 2005

To: United States Military Personnel

Last night I was at the concert for the Laurel Music Camp. It was the 61st annual concert in a row. To my surprise, before the symphonic band’s part of the program, the conductor asked us all to stand. He said, “This 4th of July weekend let us take the time to honor the men and women of the United States military who are protecting our freedom to have this concert.” He led the band into our National Anthem.

I was filled with pride and humbled for the mistaken thought all artistic people were against not just the military but our country’s place as leader of the free world. I was singing my fool head off with tears in my eyes and notice I was not alone. Most of those I could see around me were doing the same.

Please remember that you are our children, all of you. It is not just those kids up on the stage but the young people we send to protect us out in unfriendly parts of the world. We claim you as our own. No matter what you read, see, or hear in the media, the vast majority of people in the United States support you and your efforts for us. The politicians who would have us think that Vietnam is the blueprint for all war currently and in the future do not fool us. Our pride in you has not and will not falter. You are defending our future as a nation of free people. Your efforts are bringing a shining example to a part of the world that has no future without you.

Wear your pride on your faces. You are the leaders of all our tomorrows.