Standing on the wall

As you enjoy the last of the holidays by ringing in the new year, take a moment to remember the men and women who gave up their holidays this year by standing guard over our freedoms

Of the nearly 1.5 million U.S. servicemen and women who make up our active duty forces today, more than a quarter million are stationed overseas in 135 countries, not to mention the 85,000 or so afloat with the US Navy. This translates to hundreds of thousands of separated families who are praying for the safe return of their loved ones this holiday season.

I recently visited South Korea, where nearly 30,000 U.S. troops are currently deployed in the midst of a tense stalemate beween two long-time enemies on the Korean Peninsula. If it were not for our presence there, it is likely there would have been war by now. So it isn't just Americans who are under the protection of U.S. troops around the world. Our presence functions as a strong deterrent to aggression the world over.

May 2011 be a year where these sacrifices are more valued - and less needed - than ever. Happy New Year.