Hero of the Week

When did bad news become the only news? That's the question I asked myself right before I decided to write this column a few weeks ago. In light of all that is wrong with this world, I wanted to spotlight (if only for a day) all that is right.

Since we will be celebrating our independence this weekend, I decided that this weeks hero will focus on a group of people rather than one individual. Mommy Maestro's Hero's of the Week are the men and women who fight for our freedom...our military!

Whether you are for or against war, one thing we have to agree on is how courageous our military folk are. When called for duty, they don't ask why, they just report. Often leaving loved ones behind, they give up their own lives so that we may enjoy our freedom.

It is easy to take our military for granted when war is not fought on your own soil. We put our faith in the hands of men and women from all types of backgrounds. Some of whom have only graduated high school a few months ago. We rely on our media to relay the day to day events so that we may understand better what it takes to live a privileged life of freedom. Because my friends, as you know, freedom isn't free.

The families of our troops are also our hero's. They often sit and wait quietly at their homes, for a post card, an email or a telephone call. Any sign that will calm their fears, if only for a few minutes, and bring about some peace.

While some will get to make large cardboard signs welcoming their loved ones home; others must learn to go on without. There are no good reasons, no justifications, only the belief that dying for one's own country is the highest of honors.

Whether a member of the military, or their family, today we salute each and every one of you. Thank you.

Just a reminder: brandish your red, white and blue this weekend. Although we're all headed out to some parties, let's not forget our favorite one tonight hosted by Ann. It's a chance to visit new blogs and meet a lot of great people.