Memorial Day, The Semper Fi Fund and the Terrain of Theodore Roosevelt

As part of my overall Terrain of Theodore Roosevelt effort, I will be actively supporting the Semper Fi Fund (SFF) and have set up a fundraising page with a goal of raising $100,000 over the next several months. Please see the linked site and I would very much appreciate any direct donations you can provide using the SFF website. It will have a very big and lasting impact on many who are currently in need.

Without the service and sacrifice of our military members, we would not be in a position (business, family, religious, personal, etc) to enjoy the freedoms we have on a daily basis. We owe a lifetime of support to post 9/11 wounded, critically ill and injured members of all branches of the US Armed Forces and their families for ensuring they have the resources necessary during their recovery and transition back to their communities. The basic idea that drives the SFF is simple; for as much as our heroes have sacrificed they deserve the best care and support available in their hours of need - where ever it may occur. 

As I mentioned in my previous article, I did a "soft launch" of the Terrain of Theodore Roosevelt project a few weeks ago by climbing Mount Lafayette. The flag I am holding in the second photo below is on the top of Mount Lafayette. It is a flag that has traveled wide and far and has special significance to me personally. It has flown over Iraq with my wife as she was advising the Iraqi Air Force and has accompanied me in my backpack on several trips during the Surges in Iraq and Afghanistan as I served as a civilian economic advisor supporting our counterinsurgency objectives. It has commemorated the Eagle Scout award my son received and will now adorn the peak of every mountain I climb or river I traverse to better understand the lessons I can learn from studying the Terrain of Theodore Roosevelt. 

To me, the flag represents a piece of America I can always hold close and turn to no matter where I am in the world and no matter the circumstances. It is a reminder of all that is exceptional in America, but is also a reminder of the huge price we sometimes have to pay as a nation. As we approach Memorial Day, and as I hold my flag on my upcoming Dakota Territory trip, I will be thinking of many that have given the ultimate sacrifice to support our flag and our freedom. Great Americans like SSG Richard Tieman and SPC Joshua Tomlinson who facilitated my daily movements/security in Afghanistan and were both killed by an IED on May 18, 2010. I'll be launching my Dakota Territory trip on the 7th anniversary of their death. I'll also be thinking about great young Americans like LCPL Robert Greniger who lived not too far down the road from my home in Independence, MN. I never knew Robert, but have come to know his parents well, after he was killed in Afghanistan in 2011 supporting the flag he loved so dearly. Even today, we have many in harm's way putting their lives on the line for each of us. We owe them all an eternal debt of gratitude.

Memorial Day can often be thought of more as a 3-day holiday weekend as opposed to its original purpose, remembering those who have died in service for our country. I would suggest having fun with family and friends, but also ensuring to carve out appropriate time to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. One small recommendation is to add to your Memorial Day activities the reading of a few Medal of Honor citations. Both TR and his son were awarded the Medal of Honor. According the to the Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Theodore Roosevelt Jr's citation reads as follows:

"For gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty on 6 June 1944, in France. After 2 verbal requests to accompany the leading assault elements in the Normandy invasion had been denied, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt's written request for this mission was approved and he landed with the first wave of the forces assaulting the enemy-held beaches. He repeatedly led groups from the beach, over the seawall and established them inland. His valor, courage, and presence in the very front of the attack and his complete unconcern at being under heavy fire inspired the troops to heights of enthusiasm and self-sacrifice. Although the enemy had the beach under constant direct fire, Brig. Gen. Roosevelt moved from one locality to another, rallying men around him, directed and personally led them against the enemy. Under his seasoned, precise, calm, and unfaltering leadership, assault troops reduced beach strong points and rapidly moved inland with minimum casualties. He thus contributed substantially to the successful establishment of the beachhead in France."

It's clear to see how a parent can have such a profound impact on a child when it comes to instilling a long-lasting love of country and service to our nation. A larger and broader recommendation is to ensure that parents pull their children aside on Memorial Day and actively teach them the meaning. Take them to a Memorial Day service. Touch a grave. Hold the flag. Shed a tear. Provide comfort to a loved one. Remember the fallen. Sing "God Bless America". As President Reagan once said,

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day we will spend our sunset years telling our children and our children’s children what it was once like in the United States where men were free."

Memorial Day is a great opportunity to ensure our values get passed along to the next generation. As a way of supporting those in need today, please consider once again donating to the Semper Fi Fund. It will be greatly appreciated!