Merry Christmas

To my brothers and sisters of the Idaho Patriot Guard -

I would be remiss if I failed to acknowledge you as we enter this final few days of the Christmas season.

Through my association with the men and women of the Patriot Guard Riders, I am a better man today than I was 20 months ago when I decided that I wanted to be a part of this organization. Without exception, I have met some of the finest people I know. I have met moms and dads who have children serving in harm's way. I have met mothers and fathers, husbands and wives who know firsthand the anguish of losing a child or spouse in defense of our way of life. I have watched them, and I have marveled at their resolve, at the way that quietly continue on with their lives...never forgetting, yet pushing forward, knowing that they cannot ... must not..... fail in their efforts to support those still serving. I have come to know your sons and daughters, your husbands and wives through your eyes, and in a small way, I feel a closeness to them. I salute you Blue and Gold Star families, and remain indebted to you for your example and for your quiet, yet determined resolve.

And I am grateful, too, for those of you who are numbered among the Patriot Guard Riders. Your patriotism and your desire to do good is evident when I see you standing in a flag line in austere weather; when I know that you take time off from work to do your part in honoring this generation of heroes.

As I enjoy Christmas dinner with my wife and children (both those that are still at home and those that will be here with their own families), I will pause briefly before we begin the meal, and I will direct everyone's attention to the empty plate and upturned glass on the table in the corner of the dining room. I will remind my family that that place is there as a reminder that somewhere, all across America, there are homes where there are empty place-settings...homes where a little boy or a little girl grew up to be a young man or a young woman, homes where a Daddy or Mommy nurtured little ones, and then, one by one, left that home to answer a call to duty. These are homes where that little boy or girl, or that daddy or mommy will never return to. I will remind my children that freedom is not free; there is a price that was paid and is being paid for the freedoms that we enjoy each day.

When the season has come to a close, when the decorations on the tree have been put away for another season, and when "life returns to normal", I will remember that for some, life will never be "normal", and it is for those quiet heroes, that I involve myself in this thing we do. What an honor it is for me to call you all my friends.

Regardless of our political platforms or our religious differences, we can stand united as Americans in support of the young men and women of our armed services, the returning veteran's, and their families. I wish for each of you, a very Merry Christmas, and the hope that 2008 is prosperous and happy.

From our family to yours..................Warmest Regards -

Shane and Linda Leiser
Mikel (and Krista, Calvry, and Nala), Christopher, Katie (and Tim, Jayden and Tyson), Ryan (and Amanda), Kenneth, Robby, Courtney and Brooks