As an honorably retired veteran and proud American citizen, I respect Memorial Day as being one of our most meaningful and important holidays because it’s the dedicated day for remembering those who died while serving our nation. Today, many Americans have either none or limited connection/knowledge regarding the service of those who have given the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

On this Memorial Day I encourage you to take a few moments to think about and honor all of those service members who have gone before us. These are the people who are truly responsible for our freedom.

I recently overheard a conversation about freedom while sitting on the patio of a coffee shop. The group discussing the topic was comprised of an equal number of male/female adults, and from the way things were going there was a significant diversity regarding their mindsets. Several of them offered their political leaning, and that certainly played into the mix rather interestingly.

I would like to know what freedom means to you, and should you choose to respond please offer some specifics. There won’t be a judgmental response from me, although I can’t guarantee what some other bloggers may post in agreement/disagreement. I’m merely interested in learning what your feelings are on this subject.

If you’re a veteran, then you may get mailings from various military publications. I just read my MOAA newsletter and, in particular, an article that explained how the feds have relegated us to a non-human status by labeling us “Unfunded Liabilities.” The inference is that we’re a drain on the federal budget and one that will be questionably sustainable, particularly after a draw-down in the Middle East.

It’s disappointing and disheartening to hear that once a vet does his/her job and leaves the service as a retiree or an honorably discharged veteran, then we’re immediately classified as nothing more than economic inconveniences, or liabilities. This is a pathetic possibility and one that all vets should give their close attention.