Today is the day that we remember all of the people who have given their lives for our country, along with all of those who are fighting oversees. It is a beautiful day, but also a sad day as more and more people are dying overseas for a questionable cause.

Like most Americans, I am proud of the work our fighting professionals are doing overseas. That is their job, their vocation. Yet, there is such a sadness and something missing back home here in America, particularly in the rural areas across our country. It is well known that a larger percentage of rural people go to fight for our country, as an opportunity and hope, only to come back home dead.

Much like last year, I hope that they all come back home alive. I know that's not a realistic hope, and I fear for what so many of our communities are losing. Really good, really brave men go overseas to fight for our freedom, and leave our many communities behind. You simply can not say enough good about all the veterans and fighting men who put it all on the line.

Maybe by next year, things will be different as we will be celebrating our success in Iraq, and also have our men and women back home. Maybe next year, things will be just a little bit brighter, and our fighting men will be back here doing everything from building roads to protecting our homeland from the risk of terrorists.

So enjoy this beautiful first unofficial day of summer. And remember not everybody is as lucky as you are to be out enjoying it in the sun. Always remember those who are fighting on your behalf, and pray that all of them will make it home safely.