A Day Of Reflection

As Americans, we should be grateful every day of our lives, to live in a country bought and paid for by those who willingly sacrificed themselves for our freedom. Never in the history of the world has such a cause of freedom burned in the hearts of a people, that they would without hesitation pay the ultimate sacrifice so their neighbors and families could live in a land, where freedoms torch burned so brightly.

On this day though we pause to reflect on the lives of those freedom loving men and women who have served and died on battlefields both here at home and in foreign lands that many had never even heard of until they boarded a ship or plane to travel to those distant shores. From the deserts of northern Africa and the Middle East, the streets and fields of Europe, the islands of the Pacific or to the jungles of Vietnam, generations of our young men and women have and still answer the call of a grateful nation.

Also on this day, let us not forget those who have died while working to keep us safe in our homes and communities. Many of us at times tend to take our police officers and firefighters for granted, but every day they work hard for our nation and never know when the door of their home closes behind them if that day will be their last. Thanks you to those who have died so we all may enjoy a safer country. Also let me say thanks to those who continue to serve and protect even though the risk is great.

To the families of each member of our armed forces and uniformed services here in this country that have lost a loved one in the line of duty, thank you! Your sacrifice sometimes we forget, but when all the friends and loved ones return to the safety of their home, you have had to return to an empty house where a voice is silent, with only your memories. The families of men and women once here but now only a memory, are owed a debt of gratitude by us all. May we never forget their sacrifice?

So on this Memorial Day please take time to reflect on the freedom we all enjoy because of the selfless sacrifice of all who have laid down their lives throughout our history. America has been blessed because of the service, dedication, and willingness of those willing to lay down their lives for the cause of freedom. May God continue to bless America, and may God bless every family who has lost a loved one in the service of our country.