Undue disrespect

His remarks did not sound practiced. These words were heartfelt.

There is a special breed of men and women in our country who dedicate their lives, their careers and their families to duty, honor and country. You can see their sterling character in the gleam in their eye when you ask them about their service.

On the way home from the ceremony my wife and I stopped at America's newest monument: the US Air Force Memorial. Four Air Force Blackhawk helicopters passed over head, reminding us of the airmen all over the world who protect us and keep the peace.

A lieutenant colonel wearing the wings of a command pilot stopped us. "I'd rather be in Iraq than here flying a desk at the Pentagon. But we all have our jobs to do. We all have our duty. I don't complain. But I do sneak up here from time to time to reflect upon all the airmen lost in our nation's wars," he said.

To reflect upon and thank them for their service and for giving the ultimate sacrifice, I thought. Nothing stupid about this man. He seemed to have his life and his commitments in perfect order.

And I wish I could say the same about many of our politicians.