As the USA celebrates Memorial Day this weekend, it’s more than a three-day weekend. It’s a time to reflect upon how our hard-fought freedoms are won. And, give glory to those who won it for us.

It’s become a trite saying over the years: If you are free, thank someone in a uniform. But when was the last time you thanked someone for serving their country? As an Army brat, I sometimes don’t feel it necessary to often thank another service member since my family lived it. We lived it for 26 years, several hardship tours and two tours in Vietnam. But, that said, it doesn’t mean that I should never say thank you. This is my public thank you to those who currently serve and those who have served.

© Robert Linder, courtesy of stock.xchng

Anyone connected to the military knows what kind of sacrifices Armed Service personnel make. From the most public: battle scars, possible life-long mental and physical disabilities or death. Many sacrifices are more private: less pay, long family separations, higher divorce rates, assignments in desolate locations, and letting politicians decide your fate. Citizens enlist in the military for a variety of reasons and reenlist for the same reasons: They are called to this vocation. There simply can not be any other reason because no one really wants to make these sacrifices. But, when you are called to a profession, you cannot ignore it.

There is something special about a uniform. It denotes a belonging. It identifies the person wearing it with a group. It’s one of the most powerful brands any marketer could ever hope to create. It sends a sense of fear and hope, depending upon the situation it is worn in. It provides a sense of pride.

So, for all of the opinions out there, remember that you are allowed to have your opinion because the U.S. Constitution guarantees it. And, never forget that someone in the military has upheld it for you since 1776.

So reach out the next time you see a military uniform. Say thank you to the woman or man inside it. You won’t regret it.