No matter how many times I see a man or woman in uniform, nor how many hundreds of times I’ve seen, heard and felt the mighty roar of the gleaming, silver birds flying overhead, I still get a tingling excitement in the pit of my stomach.

I can’t help it. I grew up in a military environment, and I married into it, too. My current place of residence is smack dab in the middle (that’s southern talk!) of a host of military bases. And quite frankly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I love all that this represents and I so appreciate the sacrifices made so that you and I can still live FREE in this great country.

Many days, on my drive to and from a nearby town, I am graced by a mighty jet flying just overhead. Often, it is at the break of dawn, with the sun barely peeking over the treetops. As the shining bird comes mightily soaring down from high in the sky, I can hear the roaring of the engines and feel the thrusting of its power.  I am filled with excitement . . . and I swell with pride.  Other times, I witness the constant practice of other types of “birds” in their lonely droning over a pattern, determined to master their technologies and skills as they serve to protect one another in the heat of battle.

I’m lucky enough to benefit from these encounters at least once a week. And yet, with each occasion, it’s like experiencing it for the first time. I never tire of it. Just as I never tire of seeing the performances of the precision teams – the Air Force’s Thunderbirds and the Navy’s Blue Angels.

From Day One of their training, everyone in the military learns pride, discipline sacrifice and respect. That’s respect for others AND respect for themselves.  I don’t think we see enough of any of those virtues today.

They learn about cooperation and trust. No major project (or mission) can be accomplished by one person alone; it takes many, if not hundreds. They come to understand that teamwork is critical to their survival. Every day, they are responsible for each other’s lives.

These are the symbols that stand out for me when I think of our military.

Are you, as a civilian, willing to be accountable for that level of reliability in your workplace? And on top of that, be willing to work in not-so-plush conditions and to work for low pay and barely suitable housing? Think about it.

There may be some of you who read this and are against everything the military stands for. And so, I gladly give you the space to feel that way. You are free to write and say what you want about that – or any other topic.  (That’s thanks to our military, by the way, that you can do that!)

There are many of you who will also understand what I feel and will silently “high-five” me for what I cannot adequately put into words. But once you have lived it, you know and understand it; and it really needs no further explanation.

So it is on this great day of celebration that I boast of our nation – and especially of our military men and women and their families.  I do so appreciate the sacrifices they make and the commitment they exhibit.

When I see you in uniform on the street and I give a silent nod or smile, know that inside, my heart bursts with honor and a deep respect. YOU are important in my life, no matter what role you play.

If you are one of the pilots in those gleaming, shining birds that flies overhead, you may see a hand wildly waving out a car’s window as you swoosh by. Know it is me, representing thousands of others, waving you onward and upward. (I declare . . . those wheels will someday tap the roof of my car, they’re so close!).

I am proud that, together, we make up this wonderful community – and I'm proud to call you my neighbor and friend.

To our freedom!