Freedom

Shortly after we were married, Mark gave me this T-shirt. I wear it with pride. Because those words are short, but powerful.
"I have my rights!"
"I have the right to....!"
"It's a free country!"
"If I want to talk trash about the sitting President or the former President, I can. Freedom of speech, baby!"
There are men and women who made the final formation and now laying a rest, in G-d good earth, who laid down their lives so that you can enjoy your hot dog and fireworks this weekend.
Freedom is' free. It was paid for the blood of Marines, Sailors, Air Men and Soldiers. It was sealed by the tears of spouses and family members who laid them to rest.
I still miss you, daddy.

It is the SOLDIER, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the SOLDIER, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the SOLDIER, not the campus organizers, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate.
It is the SOLDIER, who salutes the flag, who serves the flag, and whose coffin is draped by the flag.
And it is we, their wives, husbands, parnets, children, siblings who pray for their safe return and lay flowers on their coffins.

This is How It Begins

The packing of the bags.....