HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!

    This day is traditionally known as the beginning of the Summer season. This weekend is the first three day holiday weekend of the year.  But the deeper mean is this, we honor those who have served in our Armed Force, in the defence our nation and our way of life.  We especially honor those who gave the last measure of devotion, and sacrificed their lives.
    I served 4 years on Active Duty in the  US Army from 27 July, 1981 - 26 July 1985.  This was the final decade of that period known as the Cold War.  The United States had a sizeable number of troops stationed in Europe as a first line of defense, in case the Soviet Communists, and the nations of the Warsaw Pact should invade and attempt to swallow up whole, the countries of Western Europe.
    I was in the Federal Republic of Germany (West German) in 1983, 1984, and stationed at the US Army Field Station in Augsburg.  This was an intelligence outpost where there as a live/hot mission going 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  I had german nationals tell me that they were grateful that the American troops were there and keeping the Russian Bear at Bay.
     I know that today we have grave problems in our country, and also in our military.  But this is still the best country on earth.  If we can get back to our founding principles upon which our country is based, maybe we can save it, and get back to the greatness that we once stood for.