While I appreciate and celebrate the American military and their families, your question makes me think of a different kind of sacrifice, from which I've directly benefited....

Had it not been for the women in business who stood up for gender equality in the 60s and 70s, my life, and that of my children, would have been significantly diminished.  These women were demeaned and demonized; subjected to harassment and accused of destroying the fabric of our society.  In many cases, they were forced to choose between family and career.

I never had to make such a choice.  I had the freedom to work hard and be judged on my own merits.  I was permitted to be the primary financial support of my family, and never discriminated against due to my gender, thanks to the pioneers of the women's movement, the legislators who championed their cause, and the everyday business people who recognized an injustice, and worked to overcome it.

I will honor this sacrifice by striving to create business environments that celebrate diversity.  I was given a level playing field and will do all possible to ensure it's availability to all colleagues, present and future.  By being a leader who is color, gender, orientation blind, by being someone who builds meritocracies, I honor the sacrifices of the women who made this possible for me, and for my children.

Thanks for the thought exercise, Mike.