When I was at Ft. Stewart last month, one of the highlights of my visit was the afternoon spent walking through the Iraqi Freedom Memorial Garden.  This is a place to show respect and appreciation for the ultimate sacrifice made by these brave soldiers.  I walked with my daughter.  We replaced windblown flags and momentos, brushed away storm debris, and spoke each name aloud.  We read poems left by comrades and loved ones, examined photos, and silently ... or not so silently ... prayed for the families of the fallen.  Each tree in these photos represents a life given. 

The cause may not be a clearly defined as some would like.  War has never been nor will it ever be a pretty thing, but there are times it is a necessary thing.  Is this one of those times?  Perhaps ... but that doesn't negate the sacrifice these men and women ... along with their families ... have made on our behalf.  Over the years, so many have died ... even more have suffered in numerous ways.  This is a day to remember them ... not to judge their service or methods ... not to evaluate the causes, but a day to remember. 

My heartfelt and deep thanks

to all past, present, and future members of our military family.

~ B