An Editorial..

I was thinking when my work day is completed today. I'll jump into my car and drive to my home. I feel like grilling. So I have to decide will I grill steaks or pork chops? Maybe I'll just throw some angus beef burgers on. That sure sounds good. And I can do that any day I want because, well because I'm an american citizen! Living in the United States! It's my birthright! You sure can but there was and still is a cost. So who bought your rights? Just what was the real cost of that nicely grilled rib-eye steak?

Ask a veteran. Ask him or her to tell you about their sacrifice. You'll have to pull it out of them because they're not prone to speak of those things. They view the sacrifices they make as part of their responsibility, part of their duty. They view such sacrifices as an honor that they do not shrink from. Not then, not now, not ever.

If it were not for the sacrifices of these extraordinary brave men and women of our armed forces. Many making the ultimate sacrifice. You may gotten on a troop truck. For transport to your run down, vermin infested barracks. Your dinner just scraps. Not nearly enough to sustain you for the hard manual labor you have to perform. Day in and day out.

So, do ask a veteran. Better yet after you ask him or her. hug them and shake their hand. Tell them how much you appreciate what they had done in years past for you or what they are doing now. They deserve it...

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Sixty years ago, the United States Marine Corps—as it has throughout our history—demonstrated its vital role as America’s Expeditionary Force in Readiness. Just weeks after North Korean Communist forces crossed the 38th Parallel, the First Marine Provisional Brigade landed in South Korea, forming the backbone of the perimeter around the city of Pusan. The efforts of the “Fire Brigade” at Pusan allowed for the daring amphibious landing at Inchon and set the stage for one of the most savage campaigns in our Corps’ history—the Chosin Reservoir. As we pause to celebrate our 235th Birthday, we pay special tribute to the Marines of the Korean War and recognize their contributions to our enduring legacy.

This past year marked the end of Marine Corps combat operations in Iraq. Beginning with the invasion in March 2003 and through the next seven years of fighting, our Corps acquitted itself valiantly in the Anbar province and throughout the country. Locations such as Fallujah and Ramadi have taken their place in the illustrious battle history of our Corps. Our efforts in defeating the insurgency helped to build a brighter future for all Iraqis.

For 235 years, at sea and ashore, Marines have succeeded in every clime and place . . . where hardship and adversity have often been the common thread. Today, in the rugged mountains and valleys of Afghanistan—and recently in earthquake-damaged Haiti . . . in flood-ravaged Pakistan . . . or off the coast of Africa—we continue to protect our Nation, just as we did 60 years ago in Korea.

To the Marines and Sailors deployed overseas, to those training and preparing for their next deployment and to the warriors who no longer wear our uniform . . . we honor your selfless service to the Nation. To our loved ones who endure the many difficulties that come with being part of the Marine Family, I want to extend my sincerest thanks for all you have done and all you continue to do.

Happy 235th Birthday, Marines!

Semper Fidelis,
James F. Amos
General, U.S. Marine Corps

I was sitting at the bar staring at my drink when a big, trouble-making biker stepped up next to me, grabbed my drink and gulped it down.

"So? What are you gonna do about that?" he says, menacingly.

"This is the worst day of my life," I say. "I'm a complete failure. I was late to a meeting and my boss fired me. When I went to the parking lot, I found my car had been stolen and I don't have any insurance. I left my wallet in the cab I took home. I found my old lady in bed with the gardener, and then my dog bit me."

"I came to this bar to work up the courage to end it all. I buy a drink, drop a capsule in and sit here watching the arsenic dissolve. Then some jerk appears, grabs my drink and tossed it down with one chug!"

"But enough about me. How's your day going?"

Too many people put off something that brings them joy just because they haven't thought about it, don't have it on their schedule, didn't know it was coming or are too rigid to depart from their routine.

I got to thinking one day about all those women on the Titanic who passed up dessert at dinner that fateful night in an effort to cut back. From then on, I've tried to be a little more flexible.

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