And please remember - while you are out enjoying home-made barbecue, a cool swimming pool, or simply a quiet day of rest - that someone in the armed forces gave their life so you could enjoy those things in relative peace and safety.
If you get the chance, please thank a veteran for their service to our country. I had the opportunity to do this a few days ago, when I met a former Marine who had just returned from Iraq. I had to interrupt his conversation with my father-in-law (a former Navy pilot) because the rest of us couldn't wait around all day while two vets swapped old war stories. But I thanked him for his service and expressed my heartfelt belief that no one else on these shores had died at the hands of Islamic terrorists since 9/11 because of the work and the sacrifice of he and his comrades.
Here is a link to a memorial website for the Oklahomans who have given their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Of special interest is Fern Holland, a civilian attorney who went to Iraq to provide legal expertise in the areas of human rights and women's rights. She was killed when her car was attacked by terrorists.
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