This week I heard the news of two U.S. Naval aviators downed near Mount Rainier. They were flying an F-18 which is a carrier based fighter jet. Their plane was a Growler variant which is modified for electronic warfare. The F-18 is a two seater. Both aviators were 31 years old. Both were women.

I am very proud of them, and sorry for our country’s loss. And I stand corrected.

I learned Lee Greenwood’s song, and adapted it to my style of playing the guitar. When I first started singing it, the words, “I am grateful to the men who died who gave that right to me”.

Now I realize that I was in error. The lyrics are in error. It should be,

“I am grateful to the ones who died who gave that right to me.”

The difference is subtle and probably a shade of meaning lost to most listeners. But that, difference, my friend, makes all the difference. I am sure that many take objection with my call. Some might say that I am taking DEI too far, and that I am too woke. Others simply don’t believe that women have served, or should serve in America’s military. I disagree with both communities.

The facts are the facts. Lee Greenwood is wrong.