THE ORIGINAL 13

When the United States was created, we had 13 States.?They represented the original base from which all we are today grew.?

Just the other day, we lost 13 Uniforms.?They, more than any conjured words, represent the base of values for which we are all about.

They came from across the Nation-field, farm and city.?They came from real wealth to poverty. They are Us.

They are more diverse than any desired or dictated model for the military-gender, race and service.?They are Us.

They stood on the most dangerous rampart for freedom to protect what we are all about.?They are Us.

They unselfishly gave their lives for something greater than themselves.?They are Us.

Their sacrifice for the Nobelist of causes-Freedom-represented the core of our values.?They are Us.?

They will arrive at Dover with flag draped coffins, be saluted by the Great and Mighty and sent on their way to families to bury them, remember them and honor them. They are Us.

We will all be at those funerals and honors because they are Us.??

We are all family. They are our credentials.