Being as politically correct, and hoping not to get into a political debate, I feel compelled to say: If your the Mother, Father, Sister, Brother, Husband, Wife, Companion, Uncle, Aunt, Niece, Nephew, Cousin or Friend of someone overseas performing military duty for this country, know that there are millions of people that care deeply for their and your sacrifice. If you have lost, or know someone that has lost a child, family member, or dear friend in this conflict, know that we also grieve for your loss. On this forum we discuss boating and take great joy in pursuing a pleasure activity that 95% of the earths population can't even dream about doing. We talk about sharing these experiences with our family and friends, and hopefully we never loose sight of the sacrifices our countrymen and woman have made to give us this freedom, independence and prosperity. We travel to distant shores and meet people from different countries, hopefully leaving them with a better understanding that Americans are just like everyone else, not a society of people to be hated. We are a melting pot, with ethnic roots in every region of the globe, where every man and woman has a role to play in our countries destiny. No place on earth are people more in control of their own future. Sure, we aren't perfect, but we do try to keep getting better. Sometimes we move ahead, sometimes we take a step or two back. Through it all, there has been one thing we all need to remember. When called upon, the young adults of this great country have answered the call, and gone off to do what this country asked them to do. For many, it was a calling that resulted in the greatest sacrifice a person can make. There are tens of thousands of people in this country today that will have an empty chair at dinner tonight. We all should keep these families in our hearts. Today is a day to pause and give thanks for what we have, and for the sacrifices that others have made for us. For Christians today is a day of hope, a day of light in the world. My thought for today is one of hope for all peoples. Hope that our children will come home. Hope that a people will find and sustain freedom and cherish the sacrifices that have been made by others to give them the chance to embrace it. Hope that harts filled with hatred may find some hint of light and forgiveness that will lead to peace. For those of you that participate in this forum, and are current or former members of our Armed Forces, Thank You, your sacrifice is appreciated by more people than you can imagine. Scott Bulger Knot@Work, 31' Camano Email: scottebulger@comcast.net