Honoring Those Who Protect

Dear Friend,   "Oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming? Whose broad stripes and bright stars thru the perilous fight, O'er the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? And the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?" ~Star Spandled Banner ~ Francis Scott Key  In the United States Memorial Day is observed the last Monday of each May. On this day we celebrate the U.S. men and women who died while in military service.   This week those in my community lost a daughter, a sister and a friend. Roslyn (Roz) Schulte was a 2006 graduate of the United States Air Force Academy. She was a first lieutenant and intelligence officer in the Air Force. She was on a six-month assignment in Afghanistan when she was killed by an explosive device on May 20, 2009. She was a leader at the Academy as well as at our high school, John Burroughs, achieving academic and athletic honors. Bless Roz for finding her passion and serving her country -- our country. In her service to our country she and her family have paid the ultimate sacrifice. Fittingly, the services will take place tomorrow, on Memorial Day.   My request this week is that we take time each day to give thanks for our men and women in uniform who've risked it all to protect us. Let us give thanks for the mom's and dad's who stay behind and run families and businesses to enable our service men and women to be away. Let us give thanks for all of the parents who have inspired and nurtured courageous children to serve our country. Let us give thanks to the parents who impart values of service and love of our country. Let us pray for the safety and security of each and every man and woman who is today, potentially in harm's way. This week keep our men and women in your thoughts and prayers - give thanks for every single one. Thank you, Roz.   Here is an eloquent tribute to Roz (and all serving our country) written by her high school classmate, Jennifer Lowe.

Blessings to you, Margaret.