Armed Forces Day: Hug a serviceman or servicewoman

As I've mentioned numerous times in this space, I grew up in a military family. My father served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force, at duty stations around the world.

Our armed services personnel are called upon to make great sacrifices; sometimes in noble causes, sometimes in stupid causes. One thing to remember, however, is that they never get to choose the cause. Those decisions are made by people whose lives aren't on the line — and, in many cases, never have been — and who make the calls thousands of miles from the heat of the action.

Whether I always agree with the cause — more often than not, I don't — I always agree with this:

The men and women of the United States Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Reserves deserve our respect and appreciation for answering the call and doing their best under challenging circumstances and for meager wages.

On this Armed Forces Day, our prayers are with them. May those in harm's way return home safely and soon.

Stay frosty out there.