A few days ago, I was sitting in a restaurant for a dinner meeting with customers and colleagues in Mountain View, CA. It was getting late, and most of the other patrons had left. One of our customers was talking about some side business he owns when our conversation was interrupted by the sounds of sirens. As the sirens got louder, a police motorcycle passed by at high speed with lights flashing, and then a police car. This was followed by the load roar of approaching Harleys. When these Harleys passed the window in formation with flags displayed, I realized it was the Patriot Guard Riders escorting a fallen serviceman. Soon to follow was a white hearse, carrying the body of a United States Marine, killed in action in Afghanistan.
The moment was lost on my colleagues and customers, but not on me. As soon as the last Harley had passed and the sound level was low enough, the customer continued on with his conversation about his side business. Aside from being sickened by the lack of respect shown by our dinner guests, I was reminded of the ultimate sacrifice paid by our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen in order to protect us and our freedoms. It may be easy for some after so many years of war to be numb when our service men and women die when it does not directly affect them, but it is terribly real for a family that must now bury their son. Freedom isn't free, and it should not be assumed that it is guaranteed either.
God speed, Marine Cpl. Kevin A. Cueto, and God bless your family. I hope to never be in their place.
The moment was lost on my colleagues and customers, but not on me. As soon as the last Harley had passed and the sound level was low enough, the customer continued on with his conversation about his side business. Aside from being sickened by the lack of respect shown by our dinner guests, I was reminded of the ultimate sacrifice paid by our Soldiers, Marines, Sailors, and Airmen in order to protect us and our freedoms. It may be easy for some after so many years of war to be numb when our service men and women die when it does not directly affect them, but it is terribly real for a family that must now bury their son. Freedom isn't free, and it should not be assumed that it is guaranteed either.
God speed, Marine Cpl. Kevin A. Cueto, and God bless your family. I hope to never be in their place.
