From the beaches of Normandy, the 38th parallel of Korea, the rice patties in Pleiku, Vietnam, the naval boats in the Gulf of Tonkin, to Operation Desert Storm, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Afganistan’s Operation Enduring Freedom, the soldiers fought to protect our freedoms here at home.  
   
 To all current and past service members and their families, I thank you for allowing me my freedom.  I am in debt for your sacrifices--especially those who made the ultimate sacrifice--and I will honor you as I enjoy this upcoming holiday weekend.