Billy hugged his mom and shook his daddy’s hand.   He picked up his little sister and told her to behave and promised her that he would see her soon. 

As he walked off, his mother fell to her knees in tears.   Her baby boy, her first born, walked away.  Her heart felt as if it was going to burst inside. 

Little did she know that 18 year old Billy was fighting back tears of his own.

A week later, he landed in Normandy. 

And he would not return home.  His promise to his little sister would remain unfulfilled. 

Sounds heartbreaking, doesn’t it?

Today, we honor all the Billy’s who never made it home.  The ones whose mothers have to visit a grave instead of hugging her son tight.  The ones whose sisters stood at the window waiting for them to come home. 

Today we honor those who gave everything for this country I love. 

Remember them.  Don’t take for granted the “holiday” you have because of their sacrifice. 

Thank you to all those who served, who are serving, and to those who gave it all.