Monday, May 27, 2013

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.

16 comments:

Dana said...

Beautiful post.

I wanted to drop by and thank you for visiting my blog during last Monday's Blitz. I had a great time! All of the comments really meant a lot. ☺

Jo said...

Nice tribute.

JO ON FOOD, MY TRAVELS AND A SCENT OF CHOCOLATE

JoJo said...

Well said Tina!!! Have a great day!

Brian Miller said...

amen. enjoy your freedom...and remember those that died so you could have it...smiles...happy memorial day

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Tina - many memories for so many families .. and I too commemorate all who served, remember all who died, all you lost loved ones - families ... struggle with the results of war ...

It is good to remember - and we must not forget ..

With thoughts, but enjoy this evening's barbecue .. and being with friends .. Hilary

Philip Verghese 'Ariel' said...

Tina,
Well written!
A Great Tribute to the Nation as well as to the departed souls. I like the Belief part, well said, Faith, proclaim it, well, you may read it or skip it, but its your duty to proclaim it, that's really wonderful!
Keep going
Best Regards
Phil

Lucy said...

Loved this :)

Lucy from Lucy's Reality

AJ Lauer said...

Well written Tina!
I always think that the fun time we spend with our families is a great way to celebrate the contributions of those who have fought for us. Celebrate and be happy because that's what they fought for. :)

shelly said...

Lovely post! These people helped saved my mom-in-law who was in a German concentration camp.

Hugs and chocolate,
Shelly

Shannon Lawrence said...

That picture breaks my heart every time I see it. Sad and beautiful. I hope you had a wonderful day with your family! I'm off to report you for having a bible, though. ;) No, wonderful message, and incredibly true.

Shannon at The Warrior Muse

Anonymous said...

Absolutely! I'm so glad you wrote this post, Tina! It's positively beautiful!

Tammy Theriault said...

lovely! it's like braveheart where i want to yell "FREE-DOM!!"

Carol Kilgore said...

Amen, sister!

Thank you for including the Coast Guard, the invisible service.

This photo breaks my heart. I posted it on FB yesterday, too.

klahanie said...

Hi Tina,

Apologies for my late arrival in commenting. Your wise and profound thoughts ring true in the hearts of all humanity who know of freedom. The freedom to live your life as you choose without judgement.

To those who protect and serve, I salute. And to you, dear lady, peace and hope.

Gary

Rachel said...

What a beautiful tribute.

loverofwords said...

The photograph says it all. Too young, too soon. We put our flag up; we can see Pikes Peak from our house, but not very many flags in our neighborhood were out and in the area of the most expensive homes, there were none. Tina, I honestly feel that people are embarrassed to show any patriotism, it's not "cool."