Saturday, June 24, 2006

For The Brave Men and Women Who Risk Their Lives for Us

I received my POW Bracelets today, and will wear them both proudly. 

A local radio station, in conjunction with a local Harley Davidson dealership, has sponsored a motorcycle ride for the last 3 years.  All money raised goes to the USO to buy minutes for phone cards for the troops.  We have been lucky enough to participate all 3 years.  This year, the total raised was over 500,000 minutes, with over 600 motorcycles participating.  One of the items that each participant was given was an Army National Guard Hero Bracelet...it brought back memories.  I had one of the "original" POW Bracelets when I was a teenager.  Unfortunately, I do not know what happened to it, but I wore it for years.  I am happy to say that the soldier who's name I wore is a POW returnee. 

The decision on the names for the bracelets was the hardest part.  I decided on one who was from a very small town near the very small town where my mother was born and raised - unaccounted for.  The other was because of the date - my 14th birthday - who's remains have been recovered/returned.

I will wear my bracelets as a daily reminder of the brave men and women who risk their lives every day for us.

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