As I sit at home reflecting on Memorial Day I can’t help but wonder what happened to the guys I went to basic training with. Did anyone see combat? Did any of my buddies die?

I’ll never know.  But what I do know, as I listen to the Army helicopters fly over my house towards another parade, is that I am thankful to have been in the company of such heroes.

I never saw combat.  I never saw the angry side of a gun.  Shucks, I was in the Air Force.  We had good food and girls.  But I am proud of my service.  Proud that my children can say, “Dad served.”  I remind them to stand when an American flag passes during a parade or a funeral.  I don’t know what the future holds for my boys, but if they decide to serve I’ll support them.

Thank you veterans.  Thank you for serving next to me, in harms way for me, and after me.

Benjamin Strong is the Director of Marketing for the United States Coast Guard Amver search and rescue program. He is the father of three boys, the oldest with Down syndrome. You can follow his professional exploits on the Amver blog or on Twitter. His personal thoughts are here.