Memorial Day is the day we remember those we love and honor those who, in the sacred words of Abraham Lincoln, have “laid so costly a sacrifice upon the altar of freedom.”

Two of those who have paid that costly price are Marine Lance Corporal Michael Allred and Army Sergeant First Class Ronald Wood. Both sacrifice their life while serving our country in Iraq, serving the cause of freedom, standing for the Red, White and Blue.

Michael grew up just down the road from me in Hyde Park here in beautiful Cache Valley in northern Utah. This is also where he is buried. Mike and I were friends and I’m still close friends with his family today. Our last visit still impacts me today.

Ron was a fellow soldier in the Utah Army National Guard who I served with in Iraq. He was one of our platoon sergeants and one of our very best leaders. I vividly remember running our company operations center when the radio call came in.

Last Thursday I paid tribute to Michael and Ron on a special Memorial Day edition of Red Edge Live on Facebook. Click the photo if you would like to watch it.

I have written about Michael and Ron several times over the nine years I have been writing the Monday Morning Boost. You may ask why I continue to share their stories.

The answer is very simple.

I will never forget, and I will always stand for those who stood for our country and who can no longer stand for themselves.

THEY STOOD TO DEFEND
By Les Patterson

At a desk or on a ship
In the mud or in the air
Veterans our country served
They stood to defend.

Allegiance forged
Sworn in Constitutional words
Against all enemies
They stood to defend.

That ultimate price
Laid upon the altars of freedom
They were willing to pay
They stood to defend.

Ruffles and Flourishes
Our Flag’s banners unfurled
The charge to lead
They stood to defend.

Be it peacetime or war
Each veteran who served
Is a veteran to honor
They stood to defend.

May our gratitude be eternal
Nor shall we ever forget
Our honor to always remember
They who stood to defend.

Have a great Monday and a wonderful Memorial Day! Thanks for letting me share!

Les

p.s. Take 13 minutes today to please remember those who stood for us. Here’s a little more inspiration if you would like.

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