Today is Memorial Day, the day we all celebrate not going to work and the freedom to consume overcooked, carcinogen-laden meat by-products. Or so it would sometimes seem.

Today, I am sitting down with my children and explaining it to them. I'll tell them why the flag in our front yard is flying at half-staff. I'll tell them why that flight of F-16s came over our house this noon in the missing-man formation. I'll tell them about my father, who, though he wasn't killed in WWII, knew many who were. He made sure I knew of their sacrifice. I can do no less for my own daughter and sons.

I'll tell them of the sacrifices made in WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, the Persian Gulf and Afghanistan. I'll tell them why these men and women gave their lives: For a country. For an ideal. For freedom. For their families and friends.

I think, ultimately, that is what it's all about. So while you're enjoying your day off, and eating your burnt hot dogs, give a hug to your father, mother, sister, brother, friends. Look at those flags at half-staff, and really think about what it means. Think of the rows upon rows of markers at National Cemeteries across the country, at Normandy, and other places; think of the precious blood spilt so you could live free. Thank those who did so, and thank God that you live in America. Remember this in the days and months ahead. We will need all of our strength to overcome what lies before us.

God bless you, and may God bless and protect the United States of America. Have a happy Memorial Day.

From the NRO, 25 September, 2001:

What Is An American?
A primer.
By Peter Ferrara, an associate professor of law at the George Mason University School of Law.
September 25, 2001 9:20 a.m.

You probably missed it in the rush of news last week, but there was actually a report that someone in Pakistan had published in a newspaper there an offer of a reward to anyone who killed an American, any American.

So I just thought I would write to let them know what an American is, so they would know when they found one.

IN FLANDERS FIELDS the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place, and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie
In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.

- LtCol. John McCrae, MD (1872-1918) Canadian Army

Revolutionary War 25,324
Indian Wars 6,125
War of 1812 2,260
Mexican War 13,283
Civil War 562,130
Spanish-American War 2,893
Phillipines 4,273
World War I 116,708
World War II 408,306
Korean War 54,246
Vietnam War 58,219

Islamist War:

--Marine Barracks in Lebanon 241
--First Persian Gulf War 363
--Somalia 8
--Khobar Towers 7
--USS Cole 17
--Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan-ongoing) 153
--Operation Enduring Freedom (Phillipines) 12
--Operation Iraqi Freedom (ongoing) 700

This list is by no means exhaustive.

On this Memorial Day, please remember these who have shed own their blood so that we may live free. See you tomorrow.

Marine Lance Cpl. Ben Wetzel is home from Iraq on two-weeks' leave in Los Altos, California. He was planning on just relaxing the day away last Saturday morning.He didn't get to do what he'd planned, but I don't think he'll be complaining.

Semper Fi, Ben.