For Life, and For Peace

Taking a little break for the holidays, but first wanted to post a few photos that seem appropriate at this time.

Whatever our faith, all around the world we use this season to celebrate life. We who are blessed to live those lives in freedom owe special honor to those who gave their lives to secure our liberty -- from 1776 to the present.

In an epoch where untimely death seems to surround us, we must realize that we have the power to conquer -- certainly not death itself, but perhaps deaths of the most horrific, premature kind: from six-year old children, to young men and women on the battlefield; on our nation's highways, on our city streets, and in healthcare and elderly facilities.

We, the people of the world, do have the power to bring peace on earth. We only need to try a bit harder.

Happy Holidays, and best wishes for a peaceful New Year.

A section of Arlington National Cemetery, Va., shows a fraction of the

110,000 wreaths placed at the graves of fallen service members during

Wreaths Across America, Dec. 15, 2012.

A member of the U.S. Army Honor Guard, 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, carries a

wreath donated by Wreaths Across America at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Dec. 15, 2012.

Marine Corps Staff Sgt. Michael A. Cornelio pays respect after placing a

wreath at a grave marker during Wreaths Across America at Arlington National

Cemetery in Arlington, Va., Dec. 15, 2012. Cornelio is assigned to Marine

Cryptologic Support Battalion on Fort Meade, Md.