We just finished our Memorial Day activities and I want to reflect on a few things this week. I don’t know if you’re like me or not, but I’m getting tired of hearing about Michael Jackson, Tiger Woods, and Jesse James and all the other so called “role models” who are constantly in the news because they can’t keep from having problems, This past Monday, Memorial Day, I spent some time with some of the best role models that any person, young or old, could pattern their lives after.

I met with men who love their families, their communities, and God and Country. Men that, though they are in their eighties and nineties, would still go and serve their country if asked. I heard stirring stories of service, not because they wanted to brag, but because of what they went through, friends lost, and tears shed for the same reasons, including the current state of our beloved country. I spent half the day in the presence of some very special veterans who gathered together to honor those who have given their lives in the service of their country, and those who have died since returning home from war.

I saw men actually grow a couple inches as they stood tall and straight when someone asked about their service. True heroes don't brag, they only speak after being asked several times, but when they do speak, you see this transformation take place before your eyes of what many think are just little old men, but inside they are giants waiting to share the history, heartaches, and the humor of their time in service. To see an adult man cry over the memories of losing friends in battle, to tear up again as they remember people in other parts of the world who thanked them for their service to them.

We read of so called movie stars and sports idols who some look up to in admiration. But that’s not really admiration, nor is it respect, it’s envy. These men and women of our armed forces, past, present, and future, are the ones who deserve our respect and admiration. Those who have served and died serving, along with their families are the ones who deserve our respect. I was proud for them and proud to be with them throughout the services in each community. I was also pleased with the turnout at most of the locations, many people came out to be with us during the ceremonies. The resting places were well decorated with flags and other patriotic wreaths and flowers.

Returning back into Raymondville it was nice to see all the flags flying downtown and the special effort made to decorate near the courthouse war memorials. I would hope those businesses that didn’t have flags this year will think about purchasing one for their place of business. We all should fly our flags every day, to honor our allegiance to it, to our country, and to those who serve it, both past and present and home and abroad.