I was talking to a friend of mine from high school the other day about our memories of football and basketball.  It’s funny how a few special moments from years ago can come up in your mind and be so vivid … almost like you’re still in that moment.

I imagine it’s going to be the same way with my memories from this last year in the Jaycees.  I actually think it’s like that with those who have served in the armed forces

One of the last scenes from HBO’s Band of Brothers includes a farewell speech from a German Commander who had just surrender his troops.  This is what he said, with permission from the folks in Easy Company (Airborne):

He said:

“Men, it’s been a long war, it’s been a tough war. You’ve fought bravely, proudly for your country. You’re a special group. You’ve found in one another a bond that exists only in combat, among brothers. You’ve shared foxholes, held each other in dire moments. You’ve seen death and suffered together. I’m proud to have served with each and every one of you. You all deserve long and happy lives in peace.”

Yes, we all deserve long and happy lives in peace, no matter what battles we did or did not fight.