By Debbie Schlussel
It’s trite but eternally true: freedom isn’t free. And while today we honor our American veterans for the service they gave to this country, it’s something we should do every single day. I try to do it and I always thank soldiers and those with VFW hats or other insignia indicating they served. I’ve posted the pictures, below, several times before on this site. But they bear re-posting because they show the sacrifice, the agony, the emotion of those who serve so we can remain free. Without them and the grace of G-d, we might all be in burqas and keffiyehs, right now. And because of gutless politicians, authorities, and the mainstream media and pop culture, that may be coming soon anyway. Still, we certainly wouldn’t be free to say and do as we please, today, without our military. Without them there would be no First or Second Amendment and without those, no America. Without our brave men serving overseas and on our own shores, America would be a scary place . . . if it even existed at all. Never forget that.

Marine Staff Sgt. Mark Graunke, Jr., Iraq War Vet, Hugs Pearl Harbor Survivor/WWII Vet Houston James (Graunke Lost a Leg, Hand, and Eye Defusing a Bomb in Iraq)

Wounded American Marine Salutes President Reagan’s Casket
Some people are upset that there’s no mail or bank service today, and government offices are closed. Others are happy that as government employees they get the day off. But the point is to take some time out–have some reminders–of why we are all free to continue our business, our lives, our families, our ambitions, our freedom of speech, religion, and everything else every day of the week. And that’s because every single day, at risk of losing life or limb, our servicemen stand guard, so that we can continue our lives as we wish, without interruption or, worse, tyranny.
Today, I recognize and remember all of those who served, living and dead. I remember my own father, H.L. Schlussel, M.D., a U.S. Army veteran who served during Vietnam, my great-uncle, Maurice J. Schlussel, M.D., a career Army man who served during World War II and became the top U.S. Army medical officer for the South Pacific after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. I salute my cousin, Damian, a career U.S. Air Force soldier who served in Iraq, recently returned from an “undisclosed location in Asia,” and found himself in many other similar “paradises” I’d never wanna visit nor would you.

My Dad’s Army Uniform From During Vietnam
And I salute all of my brave and courageous readers who took the time to serve our country, not knowing what they would face and sacrifice along the way, but joining the U.S. Armed Forces to keep America safe and secure. Read the rest of this entry »