You are probably off. I am at work. But don't worry. I am not bitter. You are out of the office because it's Memorial Day. We are all free and I hope safe because of the people we honor on this day. Let us not forget why we are a country (to set an example for the world of what freedom can do) , how we became a country (see the revolutionary war), and what it means to be an American (and that's where the sports part comes in).

Marquise Hill understood American freedom. He was a Patriot, though his calling wasn't overseas in Iraq. His trenches were far less dangerous, the battlefield (which really it isn't) of the NFL as a New England Patriot . Hill was blessed with talent---6 foot 6 and 300 pounds of muscle and speed. But his greatest gift may have been his generosity. He helped rebuild countless homes after Hurricane Katrina.

Hill's body was found today on a Louisiana Lake. The Patriots defensive end apparently drowned from a jet ski accident. Folks in the New Orleans area are now drowning in their tears.

The Duke Lacrosse team understands American freedom too. They lost the National Championship but won a court case that proved the innocence of three of their former players and vindicated their program. Some of the Duke players cried when they lost to Johns Hopkins today for the title 12-11. But better to carry the title of national runnner-up than national disgrace. The only disgrace is how the case was handled. One of our great American rights is that we are supposed to be innocent until proven guilty.

Roger Clemens understands American freedom as well. He chose to sign with the Yankees on his terms. I wonder if he regrets it now? Not the part where he gets 20 million for four months of work, but pitching for what appears to be a terrible team. But what a great country when you can earn a 20 million bucks in a summer for throwing a baseball.

We are so blessed to be Americans. Is our country perfect? Of course not. Are any of us perfect? Remember why you have today off. Remember those who serve our country. Remember those who gave their lives for our country. And remember that we all can do our part without going to the Middle East. Volunteer. Coach. Help someone who needs it. Share your time, talent and treasure. It won't make you a patriot. But it would carry on the legacy of a former New England Patriot.