On Fourth, say prayer for soldiers' safe return

Every year on the Fourth of July, like millions of Americans I fire up the barbecue, drink my share of beer and watch the fireworks burst in our evening sky. At some point during the evening, my thoughts drift to my family's military history.

My grandfather served in World War I, and was shot down several times. He forever walked with a limp. When he returned home, some people said he was not the same.

My uncle served in World War II. He missed the ship when Gen. Douglas MacArthur left the Philippines. He had been captured by the Japanese, but escaped. He his in the jungle for almost 18 months. When he returned home, some people said he was not the same.

My father served in Korea as an Airborne Pathfinder. The Chinese pushed them back to the 38th parallel. When he returned home after healing from his wounds, some people said he was not the same.

I served in Vietnam as an Airborne Ranger. My job was missing in action/prisoner of war recovery. When I returned home, some people said I was not the same.

My son served in Iraq. His job as an Airborne sergeant was to protect convoys as they moved supplies from Kuwait to Baghdad. He suffers from concussion and impact injuries. Some people say he's not the same.

From 1776 to 2006, millions of Americans have shed their blood and lives for this great nation. To this very day, Americans of each race and gender are serving in harm's way, willing to protect our way of life and stand up for those who cannot. Regardless of your political views, for those Americans serving on foreign land, please take a moment during this year's festivities and say a prayer for their safe return, because when they do, they will not be the same.

Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified forensic, fire, flood, mold inspection and remediation contractor. Ed is chief executive officer of Northwest Executive and Environmental Services, LLC.