Armed Forces Day

As I wrote late last month, the people of Raleigh and across North Carolina hosted a marvelous tribute to our military men and women and their families with a full day of parades and other activities to show that support.

This month, we all have another chance to show that support. Since 1950, the third Saturday in May has been set aside as Armed Forces Day. And while there are many special events on military installations with open houses, air shows, etc., there are very few other celebrations to recognize our uniformed warriors. This is especially unfortunate in a time of war. And yes, Mr. and Mrs. America, we are at war. While the news from the political season has overshadowed the concerns about the worldwide war on terror and the human suffering across the globe, we are still at war.

In over 100 countries today, our military men and women are serving a greater cause. Almost 200,000 are deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and are in harm's way 24/7. Others are chasing down terrorists in such far-flung and little-noticed locales as the Horn of Africa and the Philippines. Thousands of others stand ready in South Korea and across the expanse of the Pacific Ocean and also across Europe. Thousands of others around the globe are providing humanitarian aid and assistance to those in need. Burma and China come to mind currently.

Later this month, on Memorial Day, we will have a chance to recognize those millions of men and women who have paid the total price serving their country. They died protecting our values and our freedoms. And later this year, we will celebrate Veterans Day with a tribute to those living veterans who have served their country so well in the past.

This weekend, we have the opportunity to honor and celebrate those serving us today. Saturday, May 17, is Armed Forces Day. Almost all of us know someone serving on active duty with the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard, or maybe with the National Guard or Reserve forces. Take a moment and send them a text message, make a phone call or e-mail them and say thanks for serving. It may seem trivial; it may take very little time. But it means a lot to these men and women to know that somewhere, somebody cares and appreciates their service.

And if you happen to be near one of our military installations, or on the city streets, or in an airport and see a member in uniform, walk up, say hello and thank them personally.

Thanks for supporting our troops.