What Did They Ever Do For Me?

American's have a phrase we use that goes, "What did they ever do for me?" And sadly, we use it a lot. And in some cases it fits, as in what did senator so and so or superstar so and so ever do for me? 

But as we look back and remember the events of 9/11 10 years ago, we need to take a moment and reflect on what a group of people did and continue to do for us each day. I am talking about the EMTs, the firefighters, the police officers, the military personnel and the veterans among us. 

We tend to wait till something like the anniversary of 9/11 or Pearl Harbor comes around to take the time to thank these brave people, but the truth is we should be thanking them every day. 

Every day we all pass them on the street and for the most part, we say nothing. It only takes a moment to say thanks for being there for me and my family just in case we need you. Thanks for serving our country and for protecting the freedoms I enjoy everyday. 

As a VFW member, I have gotten to know many WWII, Korean, Viet Nam and Mid-East vets, and I can say without reservation that each of them would do it again without any hesitation. They don't search for gratitude or accolades. They love their country and are honored to have been able to fight for it. They mourn for those of their comrades who never made it back but they know that it is because of them that we are all able to live the way we do, with liberty and justice for all. We are not a perfect country, but we are the best country in the world because of the men and woman who gave and continue to give their service to us each day. 

Yes, it is important to remember events like 9/11, but it is so much more important to remember the people who willingly and courageously serve and protect us each day. On Sept. 12, don't forget them. For them every day has the possibility of being a Pearl Harbor or 9/11 and they and their families live with that possibility.

This weekend we will be enjoying our annual DarienFest celebration. Many of the people I have mentioned here will be there, as they are each year. Police officers, EMTs, firefighters and veterans. 

Take the time to say thank you for what they do for us, and when you start to ask, "What Did They Ever Do for Me?" remember the ones who never made it home from war or from the Twin Towers or from the local fire and you will realize that the answer to that question is, "All They Did Was Die." 

God bless the men and woman who protect us, and God Bless the United States of America.