Soldiers who serve and sacrifice their lives for our country affect most people's lives by helping maintain our freedom, security, and independence.

My life has had a more direct effect by the marines that went to Lebanon in 1982. Close to 300 marines died in Beirut in 1982. Their presence in Beirut allowed me personally to be able to go to school at AUB (American University of Beirut). The marines protected that university. That ultimately allowed me to get out war torn Lebanon and come here.

So on Memorial Day, I remember the marines who gave their life in Beirut and made my life better.