The rows of white stone markers stretch as far as the eye can see. Each a reminder of a life lost, a man or woman who served our Country to the best of their ability. People come from miles around to see the hundreds of acres dedicated to these brave men and women. There is no solace in seeing their resting place when you think of the horrors many of them have faced.
The Wall is another reminder of the many who lost their lives. They faced a battle that no one wanted them to fight, they were persecuted at home, despised and taunted. That did not stop them from doing what they had been called to do, to serve Our Country.
I have heard it said many times, they died protecting their Country. They put the lives on the line for their Country. Yes, it is their Country, but I think so many of us have forgotten it is Our Country. It belongs not only to the ones who fight for it and defend it, but for each one of us who is left at home. Why is that something that is so easily forgotten?
The men and women who go out and fight do not do it for the big government. They do not go to war because they are machines and simply do what they are told. They have a reason that is greater than the chain of command. The simple reason a soldier will go out and fight is for you and me. The soldier who leaves his family knows that if he does not fight for them that no one else will. Family, friends, and neighbors; this is their chain of command. The acres of headstones do not represent people who gave their lives for Their Country, it represents people who gave their lives for us.
We each have a calling, something that we are supposed to do with our lives. Each Soldier, regardless of rank knows in the back of their mind that there is a chance they may lose their life. The job comes with inherent danger and those who ignore it are in the most danger. Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it best, "It is not length of life, but depth of life." What they choose to do with their life is what makes them who they are, a Hero.
I can never say it enough, that I have the upmost respect for the military. It takes a character that not all have, an understanding that not all can fathom. The job itself is grueling, tiresome, and some days never ending. Who would put themselves into that type of situation? The job truly belongs to those who understand that our Nation was founded on the blood of our forefathers. Freedom that we demand, and insist upon is not truly free. Our rights, our freedoms as we call them, are gifts. Gifts paid for with the blood of each man and woman in that cemetery, each name on the wall.
This is my thank you gift to each one of them, to stop and take time away from the barbecue and the pool party to think, to remember. I want them to know that their lives were not in vain, that I am grateful for the rights that I have, as a citizen of Our Country.
The Wall is another reminder of the many who lost their lives. They faced a battle that no one wanted them to fight, they were persecuted at home, despised and taunted. That did not stop them from doing what they had been called to do, to serve Our Country.
I have heard it said many times, they died protecting their Country. They put the lives on the line for their Country. Yes, it is their Country, but I think so many of us have forgotten it is Our Country. It belongs not only to the ones who fight for it and defend it, but for each one of us who is left at home. Why is that something that is so easily forgotten?
We each have a calling, something that we are supposed to do with our lives. Each Soldier, regardless of rank knows in the back of their mind that there is a chance they may lose their life. The job comes with inherent danger and those who ignore it are in the most danger. Ralph Waldo Emerson puts it best, "It is not length of life, but depth of life." What they choose to do with their life is what makes them who they are, a Hero.
I can never say it enough, that I have the upmost respect for the military. It takes a character that not all have, an understanding that not all can fathom. The job itself is grueling, tiresome, and some days never ending. Who would put themselves into that type of situation? The job truly belongs to those who understand that our Nation was founded on the blood of our forefathers. Freedom that we demand, and insist upon is not truly free. Our rights, our freedoms as we call them, are gifts. Gifts paid for with the blood of each man and woman in that cemetery, each name on the wall.
This is my thank you gift to each one of them, to stop and take time away from the barbecue and the pool party to think, to remember. I want them to know that their lives were not in vain, that I am grateful for the rights that I have, as a citizen of Our Country.
Thank You for your service.
Greater love has no man than this, that man lay down his life for his friends.
John 15:13 KJV 2000
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