As Americans, how do we truly show our appreciation, gratitude and thanks to members of our armed services? They are on duty twenty-four hours a day, three hundred and sixty-five days a year. The work they do is often hand tied by the (shiny pants) in Washington D.C. who put all manner of restrictions upon them, while expecting the best results, which in my mind would be Victory, but frequently that word is not considered politically correct.
While it is true that some Americans pay tribute to our Military on Memorial Day, the Fourth of July or Veterans Day, too often these dates are considered part of a three-day weekend. How much recognition do we give to the fact that, without the sacrifice of those who served and continue to serve, Americans would not be able to celebrate Freedom and enjoy the benefits of a three-day weekend?
In a recent conversation, with a friend who is a Retired Marine, our discussion centered on military benefits, during the discussion I became aware that military personnel after serving twenty years in the service receive only 50% of their pay. It is true they will have veteran's medical benefits, and privileges at the base shopping, and a few other odds and ends, but this is what we provide to them after they have risked their lives to protect our freedom. In many instances, they have endured horrendous conditions, along with separation from their families, let us not forget they will never be able to recapture those familial times. Many will return home unable to find work, others will be alive, but disabled, while others have and will continue to make the ultimate sacrifice.
On the other hand, in Washington D.C. we have our illustrious politicians, who live in relative safety (protected by those men and women who serve) these politicians are the ones who pass laws that they may or may not have read. Many laws they pass pertain to our Military, and in my opinion these laws often obstruct military efforts that otherwise would have resulted in immediate and decisive Victories on the battlefield. These politicians, in turn, have all manner of benefits from limousines to tax paid junkets, and so many other benefits too numerous to mention, a material lifestyle that is enviable to most, yet they can retire after four (4) years with a pension that is equal to full pay.
There are rumblings among Americans from all walks of this Great Nation that we should have a 28th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America, it should read similar to the following.
Proposed 28th Amendment to the United States Constitution: "Congress shall make no law that applies to the citizens of the United States that does not apply equally to United States Senators and/or Representatives; and, Congress shall make no law that applies to United States Senators and/or Representatives that does not apply equally to the citizens of the United States."
Memorial Day is almost here, what a wonderful tribute to our Military if we could at least get an amendment, similar to the one stated in this article, on the floor of the House of Representatives. By calling our Representatives, we could get the ball rolling, or at least let them be aware that we find this behaviour inexcusable.
As I have said before. To the generations that have already given, to those who even today continue to give and put their lives on the line, make no mistake, future generations will never be able to repay you. You are missed, you are to be treasured, and honored not just one day of the year but every day.
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