Random Soapbox for Saturday 5/19/12

I don't mean to go off on a (channeled) rave here, but ..

[remember ... I decided to devote at least one Saturday per month in 2012 to a rave instead of a rant ... good for my own karma and well being ...]

... I'm going to cede my usual space to excerpt the following May 2012 Presidential proclamation -- because there's a group of 1%ers who deserve praise and recognition, particular today -- the 1% who serve in our modern military.  [And, again, this is all about putting aside any notions about the military industrial complex and the "business" of war ... and looking to those who actually put their own lives at risk.]  For the 99% who aren't a blue star family with a family member currently serving (or, even more reverently, a gold star family for those who have experienced a loss of a loved one who served in the military), here's something for us all to consider:

"With every assignment and in every theater, America's men and women in uniform perform their duties with the utmost dignity, honor, and professionalism. Through their dauntless courage and dedication, they live up to our Nation's highest ideals in even the most perilous circumstances. On Armed Forces Day, we pay tribute to the unparalleled service of our Armed Forces and recall the extraordinary feats they accomplish in defense of our Nation.

As individuals, our service members set extraordinary examples of character for those whose freedom they protect. Together, they comprise the greatest force for freedom and security the world has ever known. From their earliest training to the thick of battle, they look to those with whom they stand shoulder-to-shoulder, knowing they rise and fall as one team. United in their love of country, they teach us the true meaning of words like duty, honor, and strength.

Not just leaders and troops, patriots and heroes, the members of our Armed Forces are also parents, spouses, partners, sons, and daughters. Their families are just as vital to their success as their brothers and sisters in arms, and our debt of gratitude extends to them as well. As we celebrate the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen who make our way of life possible, we also pay our deepest respect to their families, our missing, our wounded, and our fallen. Inspired by their service and humbled by their sacrifice, let us recommit to providing all those who have served our Nation the support they deserve."

THE FULL TEXT OF THE PRESIDENTIAL PROCLAMATION:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/05/18/presidential-proclamation-armed-forces-day-2012

BLUE STAR FAMILY SUPPORT:
http://www.bluestarfam.org/about

SPECIAL CONCERN FOR GOLD STAR FAMILIES:
http://www.stripes.com/news/us/military-s-gold-star-families-often-feel-disconnected-1.165087