True faith and allegiance to the same.....

This weekend a close friend of mine issued the Oath of Office to one of the graduating cadets at the Air Force Academy. My good friend, West Point graduate (class of 1993) issued the oath to his son, a newly minted 2nd Lieutenant of the United States Air Force (class of 2021). Knowing father and son, the photos and story was moving. What a blessing to attend your child's commencement, much more to officiate his oath of office.

The story has me thinking of the elements of service we can take to heart and celebrate this Memorial Day 2021. The Second Lieutenants near Colorado Springs are celebrating their graduation, commission and new assignments. Every American can take pride in their hard work, commitment and accomplishments.

It is the Oath of Office that has my attention this Memorial Day, and brings us back to common threads that bind us together. We can remember and celebrate these today. The men and women who have given their lives, did so willingly in service to their country.

".....that I bear true faith and allegiance to the same, that I take this obligation freely, without mental reservation or purpose of evasion....."

The obligation, freely taken is worth remembering and celebrating this year. And the examples of this service and honor are not hard to find. They are remembered today in every city, town and village. These men and women humble us toward what matters most in life and fade our petty differences.

Thankful for the service and sacrifice of our Nation's finest.