Most celebrated the long Memorial Day weekend by barbecuing, drinking and enjoying time with their family. My weekend was spent reflecting on those who sacrificed everything – family and friends who never made it back from overseas unless it was in a flag-draped coffin.

“On behalf of the president of the United States, we thank you for their service and ultimate sacrifice to this great country.” These are words that can break even the toughest down to a quivering, crying little child.

Those who have heard these words understand the pain and sorrow that come with them. Usually, these words are said to the families of veterans who pass away later in life. Yet these days, it is no longer the words, “president of the United States.” While attending the recent funeral of my uncle who served in Vietnam, I was expecting to hear those words, mainly because I have had to say them myself on several occasions, but you can imagine my shock when I heard them replaced with “the secretary of defense.”

As a veteran, after hearing this and the reason behind it, I feel as though someone just took me behind the barracks, had me kneel down and put a bullet in my back. We no longer have a commander in chief, a leader of the armed forces, a person you respected no matter who was in office, because even if you did not like him, you at least respected the office he held.

I am glad I am officially retired at this point, because I would not be able to say this if I was not. I have watched my brothers left behind to die in Benghazi. I have heard this is not the first time, either. Can you remember the helicopter that went down in Afghanistan, killing more than 20 SEALs and crew?

There is more to this story if you are willing to investigate.

You can make your own decisions on what you think about those in charge of this country. However, if you cannot see what is happening, you are just as blind and ignorant as those in Washington.

Christopher M. Jones

Bayfield