A Memorial Day Music Monday

Today is a special day in which we Americans honor our military men and women. We honor those who have given all in making the ultimate sacrifice defending our freedoms and our way of life. However, we should not only honor them but their families, too.

Many of you have been following my Music Mondays this month which have all had something in common - the music of Queensryche (pronounced Queens-rike) from their 1990 album Empire. Today's post highlighting the band's song "Best I Can" (click here to watch) concludes that series. The lyrics talk about fighting through adversity and never giving up. The song's about having perseverance and working hard in order to turn tragedy into triumph to be the best man, or woman, that you can. I think it's a perfect song for honoring those American men and women who have fallen protecting us.

U.S. military personnel come from various backgrounds. Some are wealthy, some middle class, and some poor. They come from different ethnic groups and different family backgrounds. However, they do not join the military to get rich or for the benefits. They are all volunteers who join and serve because they love their country and their freedom and want to protect it for their families and ours.

My wife and I have been watching a show on Lifetime called "Coming Home." It's usually on at 10 PM EDT / 9 PM CDT on Sunday nights. Each week it shows reunions of soldiers and their families after tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's an hour long program that will touch your heart each week. It may even generate a tear or two. If it doesn't, then there is something seriously wrong with you. The things that get to me the most are the kids talking about missing mom or dad and spouses who worry about whether their mate will come home. I encourage you to check it out because it will give you an even greater appreciation for our military and their families.

I dedicate today's Music Monday to the thousands of U.S. military personnel who have given their lives since the founding of our country. They have fought and died for us without regard for their own safety. They've represented everything that is good about America. They've showed us what being the best men and women we can is really about. On behalf of Americans everywhere, The Sheepdog thanks all those who have fought and died for us and their families.