This last Monday in May we observe Memorial Day, although the actual, original date,was/is the 30th. Somewhere along the way the change was made to the last Monday in May in order to set up a three day holiday weekend. This day set aside especially to memorialize those who gave their lives in the service of our country in defending and advancing freedom. Such a high price…so many, so much sacrifice…may we never forget or take the freedoms we enjoy for granted or to lightly pass by a day like this without remembering and giving thanks for those who gave their all and those who continue to do so at this very moment. If you know or see someone currently serving or that is a veteran or their family or someone who lost a friend or loved one in military duty take time, anytime, not just on special days like this to reach out and say thank you, it’s the least we can do to express our gratitude. Below is something I wrote a few years ago.
Remember … and give thanks!
Today I awoke long before dawn, still, comfortable, peaceful, thankful, blessed, free, and I reflect. I am able to enjoy such a moment because a high price was paid because a sacrifice was made. A sacrifice by many who’s name I'll never know, who’s faces, I've never seen, with lives given up never to be known. Today I remember although I cannot comprehend. They drank from a cup I'll never have to drink. They drank their final cup not knowing it was so, not mindful of the cost, with unquenchable courage . . . courage I'll never know. The value of freedom-can it ever be measured? The cost of freedom-can it ever be counted? Can it ever be paid in full? Priceless, costly, invaluable, immeasurable, and beyond comprehension! Today I remember those who have gone before and those who go forward now. Today I remember those who fought before and those who fight now. Today I remember those who paid the price and those who continue to pay the price so that we can continue to enjoy and others can begin to enjoy and share in this priceless gift of freedom. Today I remember and say “Thank You!” to those who have and still continue to sacrifice for freedom. Today I remember and say a prayer. Today I remember and offer thanks to God, the true Giver of freedom, for this country and this gift!
Remember … and give thanks!
Today I awoke long before dawn, still, comfortable, peaceful, thankful, blessed, free, and I reflect. I am able to enjoy such a moment because a high price was paid because a sacrifice was made. A sacrifice by many who’s name I'll never know, who’s faces, I've never seen, with lives given up never to be known. Today I remember although I cannot comprehend. They drank from a cup I'll never have to drink. They drank their final cup not knowing it was so, not mindful of the cost, with unquenchable courage . . . courage I'll never know. The value of freedom-can it ever be measured? The cost of freedom-can it ever be counted? Can it ever be paid in full? Priceless, costly, invaluable, immeasurable, and beyond comprehension! Today I remember those who have gone before and those who go forward now. Today I remember those who fought before and those who fight now. Today I remember those who paid the price and those who continue to pay the price so that we can continue to enjoy and others can begin to enjoy and share in this priceless gift of freedom. Today I remember and say “Thank You!” to those who have and still continue to sacrifice for freedom. Today I remember and say a prayer. Today I remember and offer thanks to God, the true Giver of freedom, for this country and this gift!
