It's often easy to forget, and certainly the "news" media isn't trying to help you remember, the incredibly difficult and dangerous jobs that our military personnel VOLUNTEER to undertake on behalf of us all.
Earlier this week I visited the Mighty Eighth Air Force Museum in Savannah, Georgia. Originally part of the U.S. Army, the Eighth was established in Savannah before moving to England in 1942 to become the backbone of the bomber strike force that enabled us to overcome the power of the Nazis and liberate Europe.
The Mighty Eighth had a vital mission, but one which exacted a terrible price. Bomber crews had to complete 25 missions over Nazi occupied Europe before being rotated back to the United States. Only 1 in 3 crews reached that goal. They suffered 47,000 casualties with at least 26,000 dead.
And if you've ever been inside one of these bombers the first thing you notice is how cramped and uncomfortable the space is. Imagine flying hours in freezing temperatures with little oxygen only to arrive at your destination with anti-aircraft and fighter planes trying to shoot you out of the sky.
At the museum I spoke to an 85 year old veteran of the Mighty Eighth who flew those planes over Germany and survived when so many others, including an older brother of his, did not. His story reminds us all of the heroism and sacrifice to which these otherwise average Americans dedicated themselves in order that our Nation need never face another such ordeal.
On this Armed Forces Day, let us remember that we currently have brave men and women serving far away and enduring hardship and great personal sacrifice to tackle immensely difficult threats to our National Security and spare each of us left at home a repeat of the ordeal that would befall us if we failed to act in time.
To the men and women of our Armed Forces! We salute you!
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