Many members of my family have served in the military, and a few were wounded in battles in the second world war and Vietnam. Neighbors lost their lives in Korea, while others still carry the scars and memories of past wars. It is not an easy life to defend one’s country, and though I abhor war I have the utmost respect for those who daily serve to protect our way of life. I also honor all who have served in the past, and wish never to forget those who made the supreme sacrifice . May they rest in peace with the knowledge that today we do everything in our power to seek peaceful ways to resolve conflicts so that future generations may be spared the pain of lost sons and daughters.