As we approach another milestone in our country’s independence, a number of thoughts come to mind.  Like you, I’ll be spending it with family and friends, sharing good food and conversation.  But my thoughts will be with the troops putting their lives on the line in places many of them cannot even pronounce. 

I heard on the news this morning that our courageous military forces, many of them my Marine Corps brothers and sisters, have just begun what is being called a “major operation” called Operation Khanjar in Afghanistan.  This military action is targeting militants in a Taliban stronghold and is attempting to gain and hold ground in the dangerous region ahead of national Afghan elections in August.  Sadly, one Marine has already been killed and many others injured in this operation.  It’s difficult to think about but there will probably be more casualties before this comes to an end.  Remember that this weekend when you’re enjoying the backyard BBQ; understand why and how you continue to enjoy these freedoms – it is because of our selfless, gallant troops. 

Also, think of the families that these brave men and women left behind.  They too will be celebrating the 4^th of July with family and friends but with a completely different perspective.  You might even have a neighbor who has a loved one in harm’s way this Independence Day.  Don’t be shy; go over and thank them and their military member for their incredible sacrifices. 

The corporate world is also getting involved this July 4^th.  With the help of the USO, AT&T has donated more than 30,000 prepaid phone cards to military personnel stationed overseas. In the past few weeks, the USO has helped AT&T distribute thousands of phone cards to troops throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Afghanistan, South Korea, Japan, Italy and Germany, including personally handing cards to wounded military members at Regional Medical Centers in Germany. Each donated phone card will provide military members with 20 minutes of free talk time to the U.S.  Let’s all give a big thanks to AT&T.

Many military hometowns across the country will be sponsoring “Thank You to the Military” events and if you can possibly attend one of them, I urge you to do so.  Perhaps you can volunteer to place flags on the graves of fallen heroes at a national cemetery.  The point is, while you are enjoying your day; please remember those who will literally place their very lives on the line this weekend in defense of freedom everywhere.

Don’t forget to fly your flag proudly to commemorate the 233 years that this nation has been an entity; a body of people that the world sometimes loves, sometimes hates but always must give its due credit.  We aren’t perfect but we are perfectly formed with the idea that all of us “are created equal” and deserve the same opportunities for advancement and success.  We fight for that when we have to and, from time to time, have done so for the past 233 years.   Here’s to our gallant troops, dead or alive – active duty or veterans, on this Fourth of July 2009.  Thank you for preserving our way of life in the past, today and into the future.  You are never forgotten.