...in remembrance, Memorial Day 2013

[Your Uncle Sam]

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[Chris Horne]

Excellent pieces, thank you and God Bless.

[Gordon Ray Kissinger]

This Memorial Day, Concerned Veterans for America remembers those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. America's freedoms have been purchased on the battlefield; the least we can do is remember and honor them on this sacred holiday. And we will.

In this spirit, we invite you to read the following essay written by Jane Horton. Ms. Horton is a Gold Star wife, veterans' activist, and a Military Families Advisor for Concerned Veterans for America.

After you read the piece, visit our website to join Jane and CVA in continuing the fight for freedom.

God bless,
Concerned Veterans for America

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Enjoy Your Weekend -- It's Been Paid in Full
By Jane Horton

America, land of the free home of the brave: the nation where we have holidays to honor those who have shed their blood-blood that is woven into the red stripes on our very own national flag. Yet many see this day as an opportunity for an extra day off of work, a mini-vacation, or a barbecue. These are all incredibly great things because in this country, secluded in many ways from less free, scarier parts of the world, we have the privilege to turn our faces from the evil there because courageous men and women stand guard in the night for us. It is important to enjoy the holiday and the serene freedom that comes with the sacrifice of so many who have laid down their lives for our peace of mind and the American way of life.     

Never could I have imagined that Memorial Day would be so close to my heart, or that the weight of sacrifice would be ingrained so deeply into my soul. On the night of September 9, 2011, when I received a horrifying knock at the door, I knew my world would never be the same. My husband, SPC Christopher, was an Army sniper who was killed by small arms fire in Paktya, Afghanistan. Never could he have imagined he wouldn't make it home to the country he held so dear; likewise, never could I have imagined the battle I would engage in to fight for our country on the home front.

I knew in that moment that it was now my responsibility to not only make sure people knew of Chris's sacrifice, but I also had a grave responsibility to fight for our nation here as well. If he and so many others were willing to give it all, the least I could do is remember them and do my best to preserve the freedom that cost them their life. This is a message that is all too easy to forget, yet is one of the most powerful that can be told. We must be the ones to remember Chris and his fallen comrades and what they gave, even though they aren't here to serve as a reminder. See, those killed in war are left at our mercy to be remembered. They can't show up at events and be recognized, and they can't proudly yet humbly wear their valorous medals for all to see. If we don't speak for them, they will have no voice because they aren't here to represent themselves. We must do it for them.  

Honoring our fallen service members is not a just a somber moment of silence to recognize and reflect on their sacrifice. We can truly honor them the most by living out full and happy lives. They didn't give their lives so we could spend our days pouting and thinking about what a great loss we have in them. They gave everything so our way of life could continue, and we can remain happy Americans continuing to reach for the American dream. If you want to say thank you-to do something to better this nation-pay attention to what is happening in it. We must preserve it on the home front and fight for it here. We owe it to them. There is no place like America, and no other land of such incredible freedom.

On Memorial Day, on this one day, the nation remembers what so many of us who have given a piece of their heart to this country can never forget. Each day that goes by, my thoughts never waver from the man who loved you and me enough to contest the enemy face to face. He and so many others went not because they hated what was in front of them, but because they loved what was behind them much, much more.

As Samuel Adams once said, "The truth is, all might be free if they valued freedom, and defended it as they ought." This not only goes for those on the battlefield in faraway lands, but we also have a responsibility to not only remember, but to fight here on the home front as well. The two go hand in hand: Once we become a nation that truly remembers what has been given so we could be what we are today, we will never let freedom and liberty slip from our hands.

- Jane Horton

Jane Horton, a war widow and veterans advocate is a member of Concerned Veterans for America.  Ms. Horton devotes her time to Gold & Blue star families and can be contacted at [e-mail].

[Gordon Ray Kissinger]

"The Meaning of the Flag-Draped Coffin"

All Americans should be given this lesson. Those who think that America is an arrogant nation should really reconsider that thought. Our founding fathers used GOD's word and teachings to establish our Great Nation and I think it's high time Americans get re-educated about this Nation's history. Pass it along and be proud of the country we live in, and even more proud of those who serve to protect our 'GOD-GIVEN' rights and freedoms. I hope you take the time to read this...To understand what the flag draped coffin really means...Here is how to understand the flag that laid upon it and is surrendered to so many widows and widowers: Do you know that at military funerals, the 21-gun salute stands for the sum of the numbers in the year 1776?

Have you ever noticed that the honor guard pays meticulous attention to correctly folding the United States of America Flag 13 times? You probably thought it was to symbolize the original 13 colonies, but we learn something new every day!

The 1st fold of the flag is a symbol of life.

The 2nd fold is a symbol of the belief in eternal life.

The 3rd fold is made in honor and remembrance of the veterans departing the ranks who gave a portion of their lives for the defense of the country to attain peace throughout the world.

The 4th fold represents the weaker nature, for as American citizens trusting in God, it is to Him we turn in times of peace as well as in time of war for His divine guidance.

The 5th fold is a tribute to the country, for in the words of Stephen Decatur, 'Our Country, in dealing with other countries, may she always be right; but it is still our country, right or wrong.'

The 6th fold is for where people's hearts lie. It is with their heart that they pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America , and the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with Liberty and Justice for all. The 7th fold is a tribute to its Armed Forces, for it is through the Armed Forces that they protect their country and their flag against all her enemies, whether they be found within or without the boundaries of their republic.

The 8th fold is a tribute to the one who entered into the valley of the shadow of death, that we might see the light of day.

The 9th fold is a tribute to womanhood, and Mothers. For it has been through their faith, their love, loyalty and devotion that the character of the men and women who have made this country great has been molded. The 10th fold is a tribute to the father, for he, too, has given his sons and daughters for the defense of their country since they were first born.

The 11th fold represents the lower portion of the seal of King David and King Solomon and glorifies in the Hebrews eyes, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

The 12th fold represents an emblem of eternity and glorifies, in the Christians eyes, God the Father, the Son and Holy Spirit. The 13th fold, or when the flag is completely folded, the stars are uppermost reminding them of their Nations motto, 'In God We Trust.'

After the flag is completely folded and tucked in, it takes on the appearance of a cocked hat, ever reminding us of the soldiers who served under General George Washington, and the Sailors and Marines who served under Captain John Paul Jones, who were followed by their comrades and shipmates in the Armed Forces of the United States, preserving for them the rights, privileges and freedoms they enjoy today. There are some traditions and ways of doing things that have deep meaning. In the future, you'll see flags folded and now you will know why. Share this with the children you love and all others who love what is referred to as the symbol of ' Liberty and Freedom.'

MAYBE THE SUPREME COURT SHOULD READ THIS EXPLANATION BEFORE THEY RENDER THEIR DECISION ON THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. FORWARD IT; MAYBE SOMEONE WITH THE NECESSARY POWER, OR POLITICAL AND FINANCIAL INFLUENCE, WILL GET IT TO THEM. IN THE MEANTIME, MAY GOD PROTECT US ALWAYS. ONE NATION, UNDER GOD, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.