For Armed Forces Day and (concurrently) Peace Officers Memorial Day, I had this long narrative about the importance of recognizing the commitments and contributions of members of our armed forces and those of the law enforcement community. Instead, at the risk of preaching to the choir, I’ll keep it short.
Seventy countries, plus the United States, formally recognize their military members, although not all on the same day, and in the US, separately from Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and any individual celebrations by the different Department of Defense branches.
Twenty-one countries, including the US, also recognize members of their police organizations, again separately from any individual departmental recognitions, like Border Patrol, FBI, and so on.
The simple message I’m trying to send here is we and many others of different nationalities truly respect and support the efforts to recognize those who defend their countries from enemies foreign and domestic. It may not feel like it sometimes; once we were called “PIGs,” however, to us in both the military and law enforcement, this meant Pride, Integrity, and Guts.
Einstein said: “Only a life lived for others is worth living.” To all my brothers and sisters in arms, regardless of on whose soil you stand, I salute you.
Best regards to all, and let’s be safe out there.
