Remembering the sacrifices of those who served as president of the United States

"For more than half a century, during which kingdoms and empires have fallen, this Union has stood unshaken. The patriots who formed it have long since descended to the grave; yet still it remains, the proudest monument to their memory. . ." Those words were spoken by Zachary Taylor (1849--1850), the 12th president of our United States. Monday is President's Day and I think this is a day that is widely overlooked by many, considering how important it really is.

The United States is the greatest country on earth and has been blessed with more than we could have ever imagined. There will always be opinions as to which presidents did well and which ones did not do so well, and there will always be people who wish to vote for candidates with different views on how our country should be run. But no matter what someone's opinion may be and no matter who may be in office at the time, the position of president of such a great country should still be respected, and those who serve should still be honored.

There have been 43 presidents since Gorge Washington. These presidents were members of the Republican Party, the Democrat Party, the Whig Party, the Federalist Party, and the Democrat-Republican Party. Since the first president, there have been four presidential assassinations, and many attempts have been made on presidents throughout our history.

Theodore Roosevelt was shot in the chest while heading to a campaign speech and insisted on giving the speech before he would go to a hospital. The bullet was left in his chest and remained there for the rest of his life. Ronald Reagan was shot while leaving the Washington Hilton Hotel and made a full recovery after undergoing surgery.

Everyone has heard the old phrase "the grass is always greener on the other side," and although this nation has had its challenges and obstacles to overcome, we have never had to be on the "other side." We still live in a land where our grass is green and although constantly threatened to be taken away, we still have more freedoms than any other place on earth.

Everyone in government has a role to play, from our Senators and Congressman, to our Supreme Court Justices, members of the Armed Forces, and our presidents. I cannot imagine the weight and responsibility that comes with a job that would require decisions to be made on a daily basis that could affect millions of lives, wars, and preserving the way of life that we have become accustom to today.

If only for one day out of the year, let us set aside our differences, take just a moment to reflect on those who have held this positon in the past, and even given their lives doing so. And let us be thankful that we still live in the land of the free and the home of the brave.