Suddenly, a gentleman holding horseshoes in his leathered hands interrupted my self-centered thinking. He stood tall. He stood strong. Wrinkles graced his sturdy face; white hair tufted here and there from beneath his hat and his hat had traces of wear from the years. But his hat conveyed all one needed to know of his dignity, his strength and his bravery for it was embroidered with the United States Military Division under which he had served. He was a Veteran of the United States Military, serving in the Vietnam War.

As we waited in line to check out, waiting on the clerk to take care of a previous customer, I wanted to thank him for his service. “Thank you for your service!” I said to him as I observed his unwavering demeanor.

Suddenly, a huge grin crossed his face. “Thank you, Ma’am! Thank you for noticing.” He began to tell me of his service in the Vietnam War -- how one of his first missions was standing guard over the bodies, numbering over 200 in count, of young United States Military men like him who had perished in a battle near Cambodia. He had been commanded to see the bodies untouched until removed to be flown home to the United States where these young, brave soldiers would be briefly united with family until their military burials.  

Through the bravery of recounting his service, he did not waver but I detected the horror and sadness that crept into his memory from the agony of his mission. Standing tall, he continued, “My fellow soldiers and me, we got the job done! Those boys, even though gone from this world, were not going to be subject to any more harm. We saw them home to their loved ones.” The ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms…. May freedom forever stand tall!

My self-pity moments seemed totally ridiculous. Pride and gratitude filled me. If not for the brave men and women like this gentleman, I perhaps would not even have the freedom to shop at the feed store or own horses or even be able to live in the Southwest. With a debt of gratitude, I left with a whole new perspective on my day.  

With the approaching of the Fourth of July, there will be many celebrations. Hopefully, in the midst of the festivities, we will pause to pay tribute to all who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our gift of freedom. In the great Southwest, may we pay tribute to our surviving veterans, like this gentleman, and service personnel who have -- and will -- bravely protect us; the courageous ones who disregard the personal sacrifices they have endured to ensure our freedoms on the home front.  

In Payson, we have many to thank for inspiring patriotism. For example, Lena C Pretsch was instrumental in having Payson named the “Flag Capital of Arizona.” She voluntarily organized groups of people to place five to six hundred flags around the town on Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veterans Day. Because she was very devoted to patriotism, she wanted people from out of town, visiting the Payson area, to see the great American flag. Due to her strong determination, she was the key player in ensuring our mighty flag flies on the southside of Payson, on State Highway 87 for all to see. May freedom forever wave!

In 1993, Payson, Arizona was declared the “Flag Capital of Arizona” due to Lena Pretsch’s determination. On Thursday, July 16, 1998, the Honorable J.D. Hayworth of Arizona, saluted Lena C Pretsch for her outstanding patriotism.

Another example of outstanding patriotism is Colonel Bill Sahno of the Payson Patriotic Committee. He devotes hours and hours to promote recognition for all veterans on Memorial Day and Veterans Day. He is an example of dedicated devotion to the United States of America, our freedoms and our great nation. He is an example of inspiration to all.

As mentioned earlier, Independence Day -- the Fourth of July -- is nearing. In Payson, there will be games and fun for all ages at Green Valley Park, followed by an outstanding fireworks show. But, don’t wait until the Fourth of July to visit Green Valley Park. Visit on a quieter day… 

Visit the Arizona Veterans Memorial Wall standing tall in Green Valley Park, dedicated to those brave men and women who gave all for you and me. Read the names; think of the great heroism displayed before you. Ponder the ultimate sacrifice -- given unselfishly -- of each name. Their sacrifices give us the freedoms of travel, barbeques and fireworks on Independence Day among so many others! Consider what the great Southwest might be like without these heroes of the United States Military. 

And you may have the opportunity to see bald eagles, our National Bird. Ironically, two American Bald Eagles have inhabited Green Valley Park for all’s delight. Representative of great strength, the American Bald Eagle is an icon of freedom. Perhaps, it is just a random choice, but to think that two American Bald Eagles chose Green Valley Park in Payson -- known as the “Flag Capital of Arizona” -- to call home is symbolic to me. Perchance, these American Bald Eagles wanted to add to the patriotism shared in Rim Country and the Southwest. When an eagle soars, hopes, dreams, visions of red, white and blue, conquer the sky with the majesty of flight. May freedom forever soar!

Green Valley Park is a destination where one may experience freedom standing tall when viewing the Arizona Veterans Memorial Wall; freedom waving while viewing the great flag of the United States of America, red, white and blue stars and stripes, waving grandly in the sky at the memorial wall and freedom soaring as two eagles take flight, symbolic of the independence of our great nation.

May you have a very safe Independence Day! Happy Fourth of July! From our family to yours, may you experience the freedom of our great country -- standing tall, waving and forever soaring in the hearts of those around you.