In Remembrance

We are flying our flag proudly today, in the gorgeous, bright Colorado sunshine.  Later we will attend a family barbeque - typical Memorial Day behavior.  I don’t want today to just be that, though.  A token sign, then family fun.  I want to remember, and honor those who have given themselves so that I may enjoy freedom.

Today lots of families are mourning loved ones lost so I can freely go anywhere I want and do anything I want.  The police aren’t looking for me because I went to church yesterday.  They aren’t going to come and take my Bible.  I can run across the street and talk about something I learned studying that Bible, and SMK and I do not have to whisper, or have that conversation behind closed doors, in the basement. 

You, reading this blog, may or may not share my faith, but you’re not going to report me to anyone.  You may share about your faith on your blog, and I can read it or not read it, agree or disagree, we can have a discussion in the comments, and there’s nobody watching us, looking for keywords, trying to trace our identities and prosecute us.

I am free live my life, because of the many men and women who gave their lives to purchase that freedom on my behalf.  While I stayed safe and sound far out of harm’s way, they crawled into fox holes, through jungles, and up beaches under constant, unrelenting fire power.  They lived in tents, in the hills, in the sand, in the sweltering heat, in the cold, cold night. 

They did this because of their own choice. No one came to their house and dragged them away in the middle of the night, into the armed forces.  They chose this sacrifice.  For me, and for you.

Thank you to all the men and women of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard.  Thanks also go to the families of these amazing men and women. THANK YOU for my freedom.  Thank you for your sacrifice.  We remember, and we honor you all today.

 (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)  for the blog, go here.