Patriots In West Texas

Today I had the honor of attending the funeral service of Andrew Velez. A soldier who fell defending freedom in Afghanistan. I stood bearing an American flag in an honor guard. As first the family passed by and then the soldiers bearing the coffin, it really struck me what a debt all of us owe to the young men and women defending this way of life that far to many take for granted.

This family has given so much. First the eldest brother Freddy fell in Iraq and now Andrew in Afghanistan. It was a small thing to stand with the Patriot Riders as they made sure that Andrew's family were able to bury him in all the dignity that he deserved. It is a shame that religious zealots with a twisted view of Christianity would try to desecrate this service. But they did not succeed. The overwhelming presence of The Patriot Guard Riders and those that support the dignity of our defenders kept these contemptible creatures from disrupting the service.

Whether you are hawk or dove makes no difference. These men were issued their orders and followed them. They died in the defense of our freedom as was their duty. It is our duty to remember them and respect them. It is good to see that never again will our soldiers come home to a country that spits on their good name and curse their deeds. That is a shame that I hope this country will not forget but will learn from. These are our sons and daughters, our fathers and mothers, our neighbors, and our friends.

I hold my head up high and will defend them against those that would seek to blemish their honor. So that they may hold their heads up in pride at the honor that they do for us. I am proud of all of those who do the same.