Another Memorial Day is here, and I think of the friends I lost and who served. I remember standing in front of my father’s casket and the vault engraved with the Army Cross that he was so proud of. I remember Sergeant Mulkern’s bagpipes, Stripe’s crooked smile, and Sergeant Arnold’s tortured smile…
When I was young, I looked into the eyes of Uncle Bill that; when an old army buddy passed by, he would put a pained look on his face when they talked about Vietnam and Korea… Remembering the friends they lost there.
I thank God that there are such people who dedicate their lives to the service of others. You hear this phrase from time to time and many people simply ignore it, but truly no one has greater love than this, that one lay down his life for his friends. It amazes me that so many people just don’t understand the mind-blowing gravity of a gift like that. Sure, they utter the words on Memorial Day, or now, they “like” a memorial page and consider their penance for the year over.
Think for yourself for a moment; What would it take for you to decide to give your life for someone else? What situation would have to exist before you would give your life for your wife? For your son? Consider what a momentous decision that would have to be…
Now come full circle and appreciate the fact that men and women you have never met and will never meet have already done that for you.
so many lives…
so much sacrifice…
So freely given…
You, a complete stranger, were given this gift, because you have footed the bill for this “Grateful Nation.”
Upon the dedication and sacrifice of these brave souls our nation has been founded, and each generation finds new brave souls who rise above the malaise of their time to be exceptional and stand out as beacons of light among the generation of snowflakes. who has very little respect for them. .
Be bold in your admiration for them. Commemorate them not only for this day, but for all time.
When you see a veteran in a cemetery today visiting old friends, or a family gathered around a loved one’s resting place; or a soldier’s widow trying to stay together on a day when everyone reminds her of the husband she lost… Consider that those people are still giving to you. His sacrifice still lives in his heart and his grievance also continues to provide the full payment for your freedom. Those living tributes to the bravery of their beloved souls also deserve your admiration. They are still here; still paying for that sacrifice; still holding on to the memories they shared with those who gave their all for God and country.
These are also our dear souls; serving your admiration, but without asking anything of it…
Their daily lives are a tribute to their fallen loved ones, on this Memorial Day.
God bless you.