Michigan Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog
Every Memorial Day, I skip writing about all the legal stuff and try to take a moment to thank all of the brave men and women who have served our country in the armed forces. We certainly pay a lot of lip service to this idea, but as I was thinking about what to write, it struck me that the very name of the holiday, Memorial Day, means to memorialize, or remember, those who died in service, and to thank those who survived for their service. Memory and memorial are parts of the same thing: remembering. However you do it, take a few minutes to think about our veterans, and those who are protecting us right now. We owe these people a lot.
It is a sacrifice – and a profound risk – to be in the military. From the most experienced combat veteran to the person whose supportive role is off, or even away from the battlefield, being in the military is the ultimate generous gift to your country. What these people get in return is a million times less than the sacrifice and risk they undertake. We can never thank them enough, and our efforts to do so will inevitably fall pitifully short of the mark. At least there seems to be bi-partisan political agreement on that score, although it is shameful that, whatever needs to be done hasn’t been done yet, because we are now learning more about problems with the VA and the failures of the care provided to our veterans.
I love our country. I love the fact that I can argue politics, and disagree with what our elected officials do and say. Yet none of that would be possible without the security provided by our armed forces. When all the talk turns to action, those of use who do nothing more than talk are humbled by the brave actions of those who actually wear the uniforms. And all the talk and thanks in the world can’t make up for a lost limb, or, worse yet, a lost life. Have you ever stopped to think about the numbers of military lives lost in our various conflicts? While each one is precious, and represents someone’s son or daughter, or husband or wife, and maybe even mother or father, the sheer number of people who die in the cause of our country each year should reinforce the courage it takes to be in the service.
I hope anyone reading this takes the time to say 3 prayers today: One in memory of all those who have been killed or wounded while in service, another in thanks to all those who have served, and a third for the protection of and in thanks to all those currently serving. If you have a problem with prayer, then take a few moments and give this some thought. Take 3 minutes of your life and think about what all these people have given of theirs.
In my own small way, I do what I can for our veterans. I offer a standing (although unpublished) 10% discount on all my fees for anyone who is active or reserve duty military in all driver’s license restoration, DUI or criminal matters. Beyond that, I offer my deepest gratitude for your service. God bless all of you, and your families. Although we can never thank you enough, know that we are forever in your debt.