The Last full measure of Devotion.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/98254998@N00/762422722

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States gave one of the most famous speeches of all time at Gettysburg.  Most remember the first sentence of the speech, "Four Score and Seven years ago...".  The President also made reference that government was set up by the people, and for the people, but that is not what I want to bring to your remembrance today.  On this Memorial Day I want to reflect on a line from this very short speech that speaks about the sacrifices that many made during the Civil War, and similar  wars after that, which in Lincoln's words was, "The Last Full Measure of Devotion."

I proudly served this country as a member of the United States Air Force.  I retired many years ago, and although much has changed in the services since the time I served, one thing has not:  the commitment and dedication of those who wear the uniform.  Being a member of the Air Force was such a huge part of my life, and truth be told, I would go back tomorrow if asked to serve.  As we celebrate those who have given the ultimate sacrifice to our great nation, I often wonder what was the motivation to make such a huge declaration of pride, loyalty, and devotion, to what some believe is a country on the down slope.

I have to believe that most who have served have done so because there was something inside each of them that made them believe that there was much more to life then simply going after things for personal gain.  The American Soldier is motivated not by riches or position, but rather a belief that life is special and as such, it is worth protecting.  The American Airmen knows that liberty has been paid for by the commitment of those who have served before them, but it is that same liberty that is the cornerstone for what they do today.  The American Sailor knows that while they may be oceans away from loved ones, it is their service that provides this country with the Strongest and most advanced Sea Faring Force in the world.  The American Marine, the most feared and respected ground forces known to man, is the same person who would tend to a child wounded and bloodied by those who give no credence to innocence.

The men and women who have served have done so because they know that life is so valuable, and they understand that they might have to sacrifice their own life in that service.  I love our men and women in uniform, and god help anyone who has negative words to say about them within earshot of me.  I have seen our uniformed members go up an above the call of duty so many times, and each time I am rocked to my very core with their willingness to do what is needed without regard to their own safety.

It takes a very special person to put personal interest behind the interest of an entire nation, and our young men and women do this every day of their lives.  We should shower them with our praise, with our respect, and with an undying gratitude for what they do, with no expectation of reward.  I for one, appreciate the sacrifice, not because I made it in the past, but because I would do it again in the future if called upon to do it.  Those that serve do not serve because they have been forced to, they serve because the feel called to, and that my friends is what separates us from the rest of the civilized world.  The All-Volunteer Force is what has made us the most respected Military Force in the World, and it is this All-Volunteer Force that steps out and provides humanitarian assistance to the far reaches of this globe when called upon to do so.  I am so very proud of our men and women in uniform, and I am so thankful that I can publicly thank them for all they have done, for all they are doing, and for all they will continue to do into the future.

The American Fighting Man: both young and old, male or female, straight or Gay, officer or enlisted, you are who we honor today.  You are who we will honor tomorrow, and you are who we remember with heartfelt thanks for all you have given to us.  As you go about your business today, think about those who have put on the uniform, those who have served, Police, Fire Fighters, and First Responders as well, and simply send up to the heavens a Thank You.  We can never repay the debt that so many have sacrificed their lives for, and I for one will always remember that with freedom comes sacrifice, and we can never forget the Last Full Measure of Devotion that so many have made on our behalf.

I salute each member who has ever served, those currently serving, and to those who are contemplating putting on the uniform of our Armed Forces.  May blessings follow each of you each day of your life, and may our combined thanks, love, and respect, provide you with the encouragement to continue on with the battle, until we all know peace.  Happy Memorial Day, now go out there and thanks a veteran for what they have done.