I am glad to see many American's are truly recognizing the sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. Having grown up in the Vietnam era, and seeing our servicemen spit on, taunted and ridculed, it brings me great joy when I see tributes to our vets from total strangers.

The other day I drove by a local church. The parking lot was full of flags. A group of motorcycle riders were at one end of the parking lot, all decked out in a humbling display of respect for the seviceman's funeral. Tons of people had shown up for our local hero.

I know it won't make their child/brother/friend come back, but it will leave a lasting impression on the family about how much the community cared about their loved one and his sacrifice for our freedom.

I'm truly sorry your friend was in the line of fire. It would be wonderful to believe we would never have to defend our freedom. But there are those in the world who are bent on destroying our way of life. I am forever grateful for those who would place themselves between them and my family.

My thought and prayers are with you and your friend, Sapper.