Most Americans do not realize the blessings they have. So many in this world envy our freedom, and we do not know what we have.

Colonel Jeff Douglass, USMC was waiting for a flight from Sarajevo to Vienna. He found himself in a conversation with a gentleman named Peter who was departing Sarajevo after gathering research for a book he was writing. Peter pointed to the United States passport, and said: "Do you know what that is worth?" "I'm afraid I don't understand," Douglass replied. "Of course, Peter said, forgive me, I forgot. You Americans do not realize the blessings you have. So many in this world envy you...and you do not know what you have. You see, freedom is what these people cherish. It is such a dream for many. Here, as is the case in many countries, families are willing to send their young away to freedom, in spite of the pain. You Americans are a lighthouse beacon for freedom, and I wonder if you realize this."

What does freedom mean? Were the sacrifices by those who died as a result of service to our nation forgotten? Who would step forward to carry on the responsibility of protecting freedom?

In the face of today's splurge of multi-million dollar buyouts, contracts, endorsements, and signing bonuses, there are those who still go quietly and diligently to serve the People.

It is important that this Memorial Day represents more than the mere opening date of the neighborhood swimming pool. It signifies all the valor, consequence, and memory of the sacrifices made by countless men and women who have served our nation and gave everything they could. It is a focal point for Americans to recall and re-commit to the enduring values of service to the community, whether that community is local, national, or even global.

On Monday, Memorial Day, wouldn't it be fitting and appropriate if Americans all around the world stopped for one minute at 3:00 p.m. local time in order to reflect on the sacrifices made by others for our nation? And wouldn't it be something if we could each consider what we can do for our community and for families around the world? The world is looking for our lighthouse beacon—we must not let the light of freedom die and we must not forget those who have given so much to make it glow.

In 1995, the opposing sides in the civil war in Bosnia signed the Dayton Agreement which put in place a peace settlement. NATO and non-NATO countries immediately deployed 60,000 troops to Bosnia to monitor compliance with the Agreement and, if necessary, to enforce the military aspects of it. This prevented renewed conflict and helped to provide a secure environment in which to lay the foundations for a lasting peace.

The NATO-led Implementation Force (IFOR) successfully carried out its initial one-year mandate. It was then replaced by a smaller Stabilisation Force (SFOR), which continues to provide the stable environment necessary for rebuilding this country. SFOR's mandate is kept under constant review by the North Atlantic Council and reductions in its size and structure are being made. Simultaneously, NATO is providing support for a civilian Security Cooperation Programme (SCP) designed to promote reconciliation and strengthen stability in the longer term.

Both IFOR and SFOR have demonstrated NATO's effectiveness in contributing to peacekeeping, as well as the success of the Partnership for Peace programme in preparing NATO members and Partner countries to work together, not just in theory but in confronting real situations on the ground. Since June 1999, building on this experience, the NATO-led force in Kosovo (KFOR) has been engaged in the task of establishing the conditions for a democratic, multi-ethnic society in Kosovo.

Source: NATO Official Web site.