Brave men and women haven’t made the ultimate sacrifice without good reason.

In fact, they did so for the most meaningful of reasons — to protect and defend the Constitution of the United States — so their family, friends and all subsequent generations could enjoy this amazing nation which encourages us to pursue happiness.
That, my friends, is a unique concept, singular to our great nation. I am overwhelmed by such sacrifice. They didn’t only die to protect their fellow soldiers in the field. They did so to protect their loved ones back home — civilians — enjoying the peace and tranquility of our fruited plains.
It is for this reason that we civilians have an obigation to honor those sacrifices.”
These men and women did not die so that we as civilians would fumble the ball. Instead they have handed us the ball, and expected us to carry it, regardless of the obstacles with which we are confronted.
We must understand that the Constitution is greater than any single President, or any collected Congress; that the Constitution is a living, breathing document that continues to fulfill its intended purpose, even when we as individuals, or as a collected society, find ourselves off course. If you are, or ever have been, concerned by the direction of our nation, relax. The Constitution will do its job and put us back on course. The Constitution is the most amazing of documents in that it is self-correcting. It is the moral compass of our nation. It is our guide to proper behavior and to our continued prosperity. And it must always be defended at all costs.
That isn’t just the job of the soldier, the policeman, the firefighter, or, as in my case, the journalist, — it is the responsibility of each and every one of us, regardless of station. And we do this best by finding a place of service within our society where we can make a difference, where we can improve the lives of our fellow Americans.
I would submit that despite the sorrow that those who have lost family or friends in the defense of our nation — there is joy in the midst of these deep-seated emotions. Our nation thrives because of these sacrifices. We succeed individually because they understood that freedom isn’t really free. So on this day, let us rejoice that so many have done so much so that we may live here, in the land of the free and the home of the brave. We stand here, unified, in our thanks to those who have died to protect us, and deeply appreciative of those who have served and continue to serve us, from sea to shining sea.
So take a little time to pay homage to those who have served, are serving or will serve this weekend. Oh yes, and while you’re at it, you might even have a bit of fun along the way.
But how? Easy, visit the Price of Freedom/Lake Travis American Veteran’s Traveling Tribute (ATVV) exhibit at Cavalier Stadium on the Lake Travis High School campus. There will be two terrific public events May 15-16, with opening ceremonies Saturday beginning at 10 a.m. It will be a morning full of dance ensemble, patriotic music, remarks by U.T. Assistant Football Coach Ken Rucker and even a U.S. Air Force F-16 flyover.
And Sunday, beginning at 6:30 p.m., closing ceremonies will include performances by Heather Wiley, Kira Small, Kalie Naftzger, Granger Smith and comments by “Stolen Valor” author B.G. “Jug” Burnett. The event will be highlighted by a fireworks display. All events are free to the public.
Many of your friends and neighbors will be there and a lot of people have worked very hard to make this happen.
If you can’t make an event, just visit the display. It’s open around the clock.
You’ll be glad you did.