Remembering

Today in church, all the veterans were asked to stand in honor of Memorial Day.  They stood and we clapped in thanksgiving for their service.  This was so moving to me!  It made me think about how the war(s) seem so far away.  Since I’m not in the military and no one in my family is either, I feel separate from them.  This made me realize I am not separate from them in any way.

The soldiers that fought for our freedom live among us.  The soldiers that have not died are in our churches and in our cities and they live beside us.  How can we not be in a continual state of thanksgiving toward them?   Our lives and our opportunities and our liberty would not be possible without them.  We owe them our gratitude. 

It is so easy to get wrapped up in our lives that we forget.  This is why our nation (rightly so) dedicates a day to remember. 

So, to all the soldiers, thank you.  It is not enough but it’s all I’ve got to give you.  I vow to live my life in a way that honors what you have done for me. 

To all the wives of soldiers, thank you.  As a wife, I stand in awe of your courage and your selflessness.  I can’t imagine what it must be like to worry every time there is a knock at the door.  I hope you find comfort in knowing that you have married a man of decency and honor. 

For the husbands of women that are in the military, same goes for you.  Thank you for your support of your wife and our country and for your selflessness and sacrifice. 

To all the children of soldiers, thank you.  Always stand tall and always be proud of the sacrifices your mom and/or dad made and the courage they have shown.  Always know that you come from good people and you should be SO PROUD.

To all the military leaders, thank you for your strength and courage and determination.

To all the presidents of the United States, the Commanders in Chief, thank you.  We honor you and your sleepness nights and the heavy burden that you carry.  For those of you in the past, we honor your role in making this country great.  For our current president and for those to come, we pray for you to have strength and courage and wisdom. 

To all of our policemen and firemen and paramedics and doctors and preachers, thank you.

While I’m at it, I may as well throw a blanket thank you out to everyone who has ever been involved in protecting this country and what it stands for.  That’s too many people to thank here but just writing this has helped me to remember.  Freedom isn’t free.  Today, we honor those who have paid the ultimate price. 

Thank you.

   “They hover as a cloud of witnesses above this Nation.”

 ©2011 Sue Bidstrup, Great Big Yes™ All Rights Reserved