In Memory

I am proud of my many relatives that served faithfully in our armed forces and I am grateful they all returned home safely from their tours of duty. Not all families are as fortunate however and will forever be marked by the ultimate sacrifice of their loved ones. I cannot fully express my gratitude nor can I completely comprehend the depth of their sorrow. The freedoms I live in each day are a result of these faithful men and women and their willingness to battle to the death for their country. May we choose to live in a way that honors them and the freedoms they fought so valiantly to protect. Today is a day to set aside differing agendas, oppositional political views, and controversial statements. It is a day to rest in the comforts we have and to express our loyal gratitude to the families left behind. As painful as this day may be for some, I want to say thank you on behalf of my family for your willingness to give your life for all of us.

Remembering

In John 15:13, Jesus said, "Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends." With our benefit of hindsight, it is obvious that He was talking about the sacrifice He was about to make for all mankind. I'm also not naive enough to believe that Christ's statement only applied to Himself. He was

referring to His followers who would also lose their lives (some in horrifically painful ways) for the sake of the Kingdom cause. These people were to be honored as models of genuine love for their willingness to die for the benefit of others.

I believe Christ's statement is true of all generations and the magnanimous sacrifice of our fallen military heroes that we pause to remember today. We may not have a personal perspective on the cost others have paid for our freedom, but the fact that we live in freedom should give us enough reason to pay our respects. I share my appreciation for all of our military brothers & sisters and their willingness to risk their lives for the sake of others. All gave some and some gave all.