This is so silly, but I am sitting at my computer in tears. I only just realized it is Flag Day.

I have two couples staying at the inn this weekend as a "last hurrah" since both men are being dedicated by the governor this morning and are shipping off to Iraq next Saturday.

They dont know each other, there are 3,000 young men and women from NJ heading out thousands of miles away from home, from comfort, from wives and girlfriends - never to be the same again. The risk of death is real. The risk of injury is very real. The risk of emotional consequences is certain. I can not stop crying as I look at these well mannered, YOUNG men going off to fight for 'our' freedoms in a week. I cry as I think of thier partners (one wife, one girlfriend)as they bravely smile and thank me for the free bottle of champagne as my lame attempt to thank them for all they sacrifice for us.

I honor military folks, and indicate that on my web site, hence many stay with me. One was 18 and proposed to his girlfriend while here. He was so young and silly and immature he giggled that he ate so much breakfast he could no longer see his 'winky.' He is too young to die. Then again, what is the right age?

One called to book a room for his wedding night and when I made fun of him for waiting til the last second "is this the only thing she gave you to do and you waited til Wed to book a room for Sat?" he replied that he had an elaborate honeymoon planned, but wanted to marry his wife before he got shipped out in a week - 5 months before the original date (this was Sept 18th - do the math...) That couple, Kevin and Randy will remain in my heart forever - she got pregant here, he came back home healthy and alive. I cry every year when they come back for thier anniversary. He is one of my heroes - yet the twinkle in his eye has never returned...

So, on this flag day, as I turn from sarcastic to sappy - I'd just like to say God Bless America and all those willing to die so a silly old fool like me can type this post.

Good way to make me cry first thing in the morning Laurie. But yes I feel the same as you and I am saddened by those I know that have given their lives and who risk their lives.

I have two siblings in the Army and one risks his life in Iraq every 2 months; my brother in law. He is a fun guy but there is something about the things that he's been through that has changed his mood forever. I have noticed changes and I dont think he'll ever be the same.

And my little brother did some things in Afghanistan that made his heart and mind different. He now holds all those dear to his heart that he cherishes but his mind will never be the same. His eyes are different, just as Laurie said about her soldier. Even when my brother is laughing, his eyes are filled with sorrow and regret. YOu can see it! I hate it!

I support the military as well, while I dont support this war, I do support the men and women who risk their lives because they chose to take apath in life that will protect our country. They did not choose this war but they did choose to be strong men and women who will fight for this country and who in my heart, are the most brave.

I'm with you LC...My younger brother is an Air Force Pilot flying C-17s , He's dedicated his life to serving our country!! Another brother went to the Naval Academy & was in the Navy for 10 years. My Dad is an "EX" Marine once a marine ALWAYS a marine... My Uncle Buddy (passed away May 2005) Stormed Omaha Beach on
D-Day in Normandy at age 18...imagine the images he had to live with through the remainder of his 25 years of Military service & the rest of his life!! My parents visited the American Military Cemetary on the Bluffs overlooking the beach in Normandy a few years back...My Mom was in tears & when My Dad asked her Why she was crying she replied: "Look at the ages of those boys 18,19,20...they should have been playing vollyball on the beach that summer day..not DYING!!" So many men & women then & NOW giving their lives through service so we can enjoy the freedoms that we often simply take for granted on a daily basis!! When I watch the news & hear stories of people in other countries where their people live in shacks on the side of a road...or huts in a tiny village w/ out clean drinking water I can't imagine that in the year 2008 these cultres still exist...and it is because we have been blessed with the amazing opportunities that being from our country has given to us!! We may be single Mom's, Dad's Grandparents ..white ,black, old ,young etc...but we all have rights & opportunities that we should cherish!! I think this song sums it up pretty well:

Proud to be American
Music and Lyrics by Lee Greenwood

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If tomorrow all the things were gone I’d worked for all my life,
And I had to start again with just my children and my wife.
I’d thank my lucky stars to be living here today,
‘Cause the flag still stands for freedom and they can’t take that away.

And I’m proud to be an American where as least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A.

From the lakes of Minnesota, to the hills of Tennessee,
across the plains of Texas, from sea to shining sea,

From Detroit down to Houston and New York to LA,
Well, there’s pride in every American heart,
and it’s time to stand and say:

I’m proud to be an American where at least I know I’m free.
And I won’t forget the men who died, who gave that right to me.
And I’d gladly stand up next to you and defend her still today.
‘Cause there ain’t no doubt I love this land God bless the U.S.A

Nice thread Laurie. It's good to see not everyone takes these things for granted. Well said all.