John Sheda

This Monday, May 28, amidst the family reunions, picnics, ball games, parades and burgers galore, let’s also celebrate “Memorial Day.” A day to remember the men and women who gave their lives so that we can enjoy those hot dogs and hamburgers in relative peace, safety and security. More than ONE MILLION MEN AND WOMEN have been killed in American Wars. And one cannot even imagine the number of those wounded during war.

I worked for many years with a very good friend who was Iranian. He came to the United States and became a citizen. Many times he told me of the vast differences between life here in the United States compared to his years growing up in Iran. After many years, he was finally permitted to return to his native country to visit again. Because of his defection, he was not welcome or allowed to return for over twenty years or so. After his visit, he came into my office and remarked, “John, John, please you get out of your chair right now, go outside and kiss the ground of America.” There was and is no freedom in Iran but there is in The United States of America. And my friend once again was reminded of that.

So let us pause with respect and honor this Memorial Day to remember those who fought and those who gave their life and for those so willingly to serve today without question, when the defense of freedom calls on them. Our land has been truly blest and honored with Veterans who have served and those who gave their lives to ensure our freedoms today of the vision of “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness,” from our Founding Fathers.

The final words of our Declaration of Independence state that “…for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Diving Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our Sacred Honor.” Our Armed Forces continue to maintain this same standard of commitment and honor declared more than two centuries ago. So on the Memorial Day–Let us stop, reflect and thank Divine Providence, those who bravely gave their lives, the many Veterans who were ready to give the ultimate sacrifice and those serving today to ensure our freedoms we so greatly enjoy today.

Let us all stand proudly and state assertively that we would, as Lee Greenwood sings, “…gladly stand up and defend her today. God bless the U.S. A.” Happy Memorial day and please load up my burger with the works.

Let me know how you see it at jsheda@indytel.com or call me at 319.327.4640. Be blest, my friend.