On Memorial Day, honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice

Attend a parade. Listen to a speech. Go to a special service. Take time out of the family and friends gathering to remember the country you live in and how you are so free.

Just do something this Memorial Day to acknowledge with love and respect those who have made the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of these United States of America and the cause of freedom and peace worldwide.

We can say with total confidence that no country in the world has stood taller and more prominently for the cause of freedom and peace within its boundaries and around the globe than these United States of America.

And that only happens with dedicated military personnel.

The people behind these uniforms are unique and heroic souls. They are willing to sacrifice their only lives, if necessary, in the name of whatever cause their country calls them to uphold.

That level of heart and dedication to principle is not implanted in everyone. These are special Americans we salute today.

They were special in World Wars I and II, and Korea, and Vietnam and Europe and the Mideast. They were special, starting with this country’s founding and continuing in danger zones worldwide today.

No sane person wants war. But when we are called to defend this country, or battle interests that seek to replace freedom with illegitimate rule in our own boundaries or elsewhere, it takes extraordinary people to restore order out of chaos and convert tyranny and violence into peace.

The technology to meet that challenge has changed, but not the level of commitment, courage and selflessness.

Remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for all of us today, whether it be someone in your own family or someone you never met. And remember these sacrifices not just today, but every day throughout the year.