Good morning, Americans! It’s Tuesday!

Carole and I spent a very quiet Memorial Day weekend at home. We rested, watched TV and made room for our daughter to relocate back to Minneapolis (starting a new job) with as much independence as possible until she finds her space and her place.

I read several Memorial Day notes asking us to remember all of our fallen soldiers and all of the men and women who sacrificed so much (they had me at “Memorial”) so we could enjoy the freedoms we enjoy today.

For instance, on Saturday, my neighbor Pat and his old buddy Bob invited me to go for a ride to a neighboring Harley Dealership for a hog roast. It wasn’t until I pulled up behind them that I realized they both had Vietnam Veteran plates on their bikes. Bob is retired and Pat would like to be…within the year, he figures.

I also realized the high percentage of veteran/bikers out and about that day. I saw tattoos, flags, patches; USN, Semper Fi, Vets helping Vets. My eyes were opened just a little as I was invited into a different view of a common get together with loud pipes, shiny paint, chromed everything, lots of leather, tasty pulled pork sandwiches, a groovin’ band and some very proud Americans celebrating the freedoms that are protected so well:

•The freedom to assemble
•The freedom to say what you want, when ever you want, about whatever you want
•The freedom to travel where you choose to by two wheel, four wheel, 18 wheel or whatever combination suits your fancy

-You can read what you prefer
-Work as hard or as little as you desire
-Wear what you want to wear
-Eat what your body can tolerate
-Worship the savior of your choosing and if you’ve read this blog before, you know I have a strong preference for God

God bless America and every one of the souls who have, are and will protect the finest country on the planet.

I believe we all carry the reciprocated obligation to remember 365 days a year, not just one, how fortunate we are to live here. Be your BEST self…daily …because you can be.

Have a blessed week!