I’m not sure what this date means to you. Anything at all come to mind?
This day has been a holiday of sorts since, believe it or not, 1949. It stems from a government action but has little to do with the government, it has far more to do with folks just like you. In 1949 President Truman declared May 17th “Armed Forces Day”, a single day to celebrate our collective Military and our freedom.
No matter your moral standing on war or the Armed Services, or your point of view on government, this is a day to reflect on the reasons that you choose to live in this country. A cliché is always a cliché for a reason and none is more accurate than “Freedom isn’t Free”.
A member of the armed forces is so much more than just that guy in a uniform with a gun. These are people with families and friends and close knit communities. Honorable folks who have made a conscious decision to defend you and your rights. They put on their work cloths, just like you. Kiss their families good bye and leave for their jobs in the morning, just like you. They’re nurses and doctors, office workers and tech support, drivers, chefs, engineers, accountants, supply chain managers, marketing executives, just like you. And just like you, they look forward to returning home to their family after a long day at work, but unlike you, they might not return that day, or the next. It might even be months until they can again see their families and friends. It may be never.
No one will ever deny you your right to disagree with the soldier’s chosen career path. Don’t forget to thank a Military member for preserving that right.
You will never be denied your right to voice your opinion of your government and your country, whether you hate it, you love it, or you choose to leave it, this is your right. Consider taking a moment to thank a military member for standing up for you and defending that right.
Today, it doesn’t matter what you think. Just thank a service member for your right to think it… but you also have the right not to appreciate anyone at all.
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Bill Salvatore is a member of Heroes Home Advantage, a cash back program for Real Estate buyers and sellers. The program honors Veterans and Active Military Members, Fire Fighters and First Responders, EMTs and Emergency Medical Personnel, Nurses, and Teachers. Through the Heroes Home Advantage program, Realtors give a portion of their commission back to the hero in the form of assistance with closing costs.
Bill is also President of the Phoenix Chapter of VAREP, Veterans Association of Real Estate Professionals. VAREP is focused on education and employment, making real estate transactions smoother and easier for Veterans and Military Personnel, and instructing other real estate related professionals in the best procedures for dealing with these transactions. VAREP is a nationwide non-profit organization with an impressive presence in the Phoenix area.
In founding AZVHV, Arizona Veterans Helping Veterans, Bill has spread his dedication to Veterans and Military throughout the real estate industry. An increasing number of local professionals have joined Bill in offering discounts to these heroes, not only when buying or selling a home but in all aspects of homeownership. AZVHV has developed a wide range of services and is gaining momentum every year. Membership is free. Bill’s only requirements are that businesses be legitimate and willing to offer a discount on their services to Veterans and Military Members.
You can contact Bill at Realty Executives East Valley, 1166 E Warner Rd. Suite 117, Gilbert AZ, 85296. Direct Phone: 602-999-0952. E-Mail: golfarizona@cox.net. Web: www.yourValleyProperty.com. Helpful web sites and blogs: www.AZVHV.wordpress.com / www.cashbackforheroes.wordpress.com / www.VAREP.wordpress.com
