Patriotism, Parades and Promises

USA Today has a great story on how communities all over our nation are welcoming home our heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan, whether on brief vacations [R&R] or upon completing a deployment.

Of course, while a parade, ceremony or proclamation may make the community and its leaders feel good, what really counts for our troops is what they do the next day. Operation Yellow Elephant salutes the Patriot Guard Riders who comfort our servicemembers and their families in good times and bad.

We call upon our national civilian political leadership, and those Americans with influence nationwide or in their regions, states and communities, to remember what they say when they welcome our heroes home: Don't forget them tomorrow, but continue to ensure that they, and their families, get the support and appreciation of a grateful nation that they deserve.