May 15th is Armed Forces Day.  Right now volunteer men and woman are everywhere protecting we civilians here at home.  And in honor of the troops who do so much to protect us, hundreds of troop support groups across America ship thousands of care boxes each year to them all over the world.

Over 90% of Americans have never served in the military. I am one of them, representative of the rest. And on behalf of all of those they protect, I thank the troops for preserving our liberties, livelihoods, and businesses.  Even though the borders of this country are penned with their blood, they go forth each day to protect it.   Let’s hope in the end we can all make them as proud of us as we are of them.

Since her inception America has been unique among nations of the world.  We go further to do more good than any other nation on earth. As acts  of freedom, not dominion. Which is why so many foreigners want their pictures taken with our troops when they encounter them in transit.
I periodically receive emails from people in other countries pining that they wished their people did for their military community the way Americans do for theirs. You see, America is a charitable nation, with a majority who believes in the personal responsibility of doing good at the individual level.   Hence a voluntary military.  And hence the voluntary support for its members from us.  Indeed,  hundreds of charitable groups have arisen to support the troops’ morale and well-being while they are deployed.   Are there amazing people in this country or what?  You will find these groups listed at www.SupportOurTroops.Org.

 So for Armed Force Day this year go out and find an event to participate in. Or send a care package. Or make a donation.   Find the core moral satisfaction in stepping up for those who step up for all of us. And to all the troops from all of us here at home, I say thank you, and may God bless and keep you safe.

Martin C. Boire
Chairman, Support Our Troops
Armed Forces Day 2010

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