Memorial Day & Coaches Tour

On this Memorial Day I pause to remember all of those who now and in the past have sacrificed their lives, their bodies, and at times even their hearts for all that we cherish and hold dear: Freedom, and the right to do the things we choose to do without fear or oppression, without harm and without pressure from others. My son is a serviceman now, and his and my family on both sides ALL served, from the Mexican War all the way up to the present (including the Civil War, The Spanish-American War, WWI & WWII, Korea, Vietnam, and BOTH Gulf Wars). Because of him and countless others, we get to coach this great game and work and help mold young men to be what they, our servicemen, truly are today. MEN OF THE USA - the force that will never run and will defend our freedoms and defend the cause as did those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in numerous conflicts which challenged our way of life. I also salute today the five college football coaches who visited our soldiers, men and women, in the Middle East from May 20 through May 26th and coached them in flag football games. Hats off Mark Richt (Georgia), Randy Shannon (Miami), Tommy Tuberville (Auburn), Charlie Weis (Notre Dame), and an old friend Jack Siedliecki of Yale for honoring our fighting troops and the mission they perform for us! Coaches-go to www.coachestour2008.com to read about this great event!

TO EVERYONE SERVING AND THOSE WHO HAVE DIED FOR US - GOD BLESS YOU, YOUR FAMILIES, and your MISSION(S)! WE LOVE YOU - YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS EVERYDAY-AND GOD BLESS THE GREATEST COUNTRY ON GOD'S GOOD EARTH - The UNITED STATES OF AMERICA!

Dale L. Sprague
Springfield HS Football
Springfield, Illinois