Hello! How is your Go-Go Juice today? I bet it’s full of wet, cold frothy goodness as you share some quality time with friends and family. This weekend is a nice long 4-day weekend as we all take the time to commemorate the heroes of our past, present and those preparing for our future! That’s right, it’s Memorial Day weekend. For my valued readers who may not share this patriotic holiday, it’s a time that is used to pay homage to all our US soldiers who died fighting for our country. However, we have now broadened our commemorations to include all heroes who’ve died in public service; our soldiers, firemen, police officers, civilians, coast guard, auxiliary units, security officers, ambulance drivers – anyone, who has the opportunity to serve our public, for the better interest of our public, but for whatever circumstance arose, put themselves at harm’s risk in effort to save someone else. I think public service says a lot for the individual who agrees to do such a job. Believe me, when you stop to think about the risk these people take, the end compensation is certainly not the reason they’re doing it.
Let me show you…
Any soldier, whether Army, Navy, Air Force or Marines, an average soldier who serves up to 5 years and can earn his or her way to become a rank of E5 – can make on average $2500 a month. Our average Firefighter makes an average of $40,000 per year, an ambulance driver (also known as an Emergency Medical Technician will make about $45,000, a Police Officer makes on average $25,000 to $45,000 depending on location, Coast Guards make on average $40,000, security guards make on average $20,000. Now, grant you, any one individual in these positions may have the opportunity to advance and with further education, move themselves up the ladder into specific positions that are specialized that will almost double the salary figures, however, when all is considered, the men and women who serve our public on the front line – most certainly don’t have the highest of salaries. This is where I can guarantee that money is not the driving force of our citizens. It was estimated in the year 2007 that we had 1,148,800 men and women serving as Firefighters (and 825,450 were volunteer workers). We had 87,000 Police Officers from a statistical report done back in 2000 and 2004. I would imagine we could add an additional 20% to estimate the current count – although, many police departments across the country were cut in budget laying off many officers due to our economic crisis. This is just a sample of our public service jobs. I must add that with our cost of living being so high, why then do these people work these jobs?
I’ll tell you! There is nothing more gratifying to end your day knowing you contributed to something bigger than you…bigger than life itself….to rush someone to the hospital whose barely holding onto life knowing your efforts helped them till one day, they come back to thank you; to pull kids or adults from a burning building where the victim gets to re-tell the horrific story, or where that one officer, pulled over the speeding driver ultimately stopping a 7-car pileup down the road. Think about the men and women who put themselves in front of flying bullets or mystery bombs hoping to prevent not the next World War, but an innocent victim from meeting his or her demise too early or are the front line statement of presence where the gross issue of politics will finally reach a common ground and people can reach agreements later saving each other’s countries. These unconditional acts are what define our men and women of public service and separate the timid from the heroic. They step into the blaze of glory so you can live a better more improved life. How many of us, can truly say we’d take a bullet for our neighbor or for someone we hardly know. Do you really want to suffocate and meet your own demise for the greater good of humanity? Well, these people do and it is them, who we celebrate for their victorious efforts and morn for those who gave all they had.
To all my readers, no matter what country, what time zone or what political scene we practice; we all have our heroes; those who go the distance at anytime, anywhere – unconditionally. Join me in a Toast to all our heroes – no matter their jobs, how long ago or how recent. So, today and tomorrow, raise your Go-Go Juice to commemorate those you remember. Our heroes need our support, our recognition and most of all, our heartfelt thanks. To all our heroes who have both fallen and survived – I thank you from the bottom of my heart. To their families – I thank you too, as it takes a lot of courage and effort on your part to keep them going, motivated and living strong as it’s not an easy job.
Have a very safe Memorial Day and take quality time with your family and friends. Till next week! Keep your Go-Go Juice nearby and keep it filled with all your hopes and aspirations!
