To bring me into one's memory by two words, I do not want the words to be, "Dog Trainer" or "Tactical Trainer". Whenever the words, "Hot Dogs" are mentioned I too would like to be remembered. The reason for this is that hot dogs really sum us up as a people and as a nation.

When I think of hot dogs I think of fairs, baseball games, birthday parties, picnics, circuses and camp fires. I think of being surrounded by friends holding hand crafted sticks to cook our hotdogs on, as we'd laugh and tell tall tales or ghost stories. In fact the very stored pictures of our lives are often entwined with mustard and relish. The simple times, filled with innocence and hope as we walked along the board walk at Coney Island or held a girls hand in a theater confection stand.

You know boys, when I think of you I think of hot dogs. I think how fortunate we are because of old soldiers and young soldiers, just like you. The hot dog is a "Family" treat, a young mans soul food. It brings to mind peaceful times. Times of long summers days and warm summer's nights.

I wish for all of you many, many "Hot Dogs" and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for the ones I can share in freedom. GOD Bless you for all of the times we can peacefully enjoy our Hot Dogs.

Just like the Stars and Stripes, hotdogs speak of what America once was, what it must remembered as and what it must remain to be. As the world turns in and out and we find ourselves lost in the doubt of today's misnews stories, we should perhaps simply pause and share a hotdog with a senior or a child, for we have much to learn from both. Just as we have much to learn from the words "sacrifice" and "duty". I think of you boys when I think of hotdogs. They are a gift of freedom of laughter and of peace. Thanks.

©Mike McConnery/Baden K9 Incorporated, 01/17/07

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