Soldiers' sacrifice demands our respect and gratitude

My uncle fought in World War II, and my grandfather was part of the Great White Fleet. My brother serves his country in the Navy, and my great-grandfather was wounded in the Civil War.

There is a tradition of service in my family and I am proud beyond words of each and every one of them.

They — along with all of the other soldiers who have served in America's military — have paid the price for the rights that I enjoy without thought or deed.

I just wake up and I have the freedom to speak my mind, I can worship in the church of my choosing and I can gather to peaceably voice my views. I am entitled to the pursuit of life, liberty and happiness — and so much more.

These rights are guaranteed in the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Bill of Rights, but their price is paid daily by the men and women in the military.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the end of World War II — as well as the third year of fighting in Iraq. The "war on terror" goes on and life will never be the same as it was before Sept. 11.

But our freedoms, and our rights, are no less than what they were when my parents were young teens during World War II hanging out with their friends — growing victory gardens, while saving scrap metal and hoarding ration coupons for everything from gasoline to butter.

We can thank the men and women who serve, and sacrifice in ways both great and small, for that. We can thank the families who selflessly allow their loved ones to serve, knowing there's a chance they won't come home. We can thank those who get involved, who don't take for granted their rights, but accept the inherent responsibilities which obligate us all.

The sun shone brightly against a brilliant blue sky and flags waved gently in a soft morning breeze. There were probably a hundred people or so at Pinecrest Memorial Park Cemetery, many veterans and their families honoring fallen comrades and friends.

There should have been more.

Memorial Day is so much more than a three-day weekend, a chance to barbecue or play instead of work. It is a call to stop, to pause for a moment, and to say thank you.

Without their sacrifice, there would be no family gatherings, no time off from work, no games.

We owe them no less than our respect, our gratitude and our presence at a tribute to say, simply, thank you.

Caroline Lobsinger is the managing editor of the Daily Bee.