A Thank You Note to All Who Serve

Happy Armed Forces Day 2021

Today, I am taking an intentional pause to express gratitude and pay tribute to the women and men in the armed forces. May is military appreciation month, and today, May 15, 2021, is Armed Forces Day. It is celebrated each year on the 3rd Saturday of May.

“On Armed Forces Day, we offer our most profound gratitude to the patriots — at home and abroad — who have risked their lives so our people can live knowing the fullest measure of freedom and security.”

--President Barack Obama, 2016 proclamation of Armed Forces Day

I’ve been thinking recently about the concept of service to our nation and what a great honor it was to have been able to lead our troops and fight alongside America’s finest young women and men.

I have also been thinking quite a bit about commitment. For those who are serving (or who have served), there is a particular understanding of the word commitment. The long hours. The unknown. The dangerous places. The sleep deprivation. The chain of command. The oath. Leaving our families for extended periods. The idea that you -- that we -- made a conscious decision to go in harm’s way despite the risks. We are the type of people who do it anyway.

For all those who are serving or have served, we know that freedom isn’t free. You stepped up. You answered the call. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Cheers,

Greg