Today, we remember

our country’s bravest heroes
their greatest sacrifice
the freedoms we have because of them
their surviving family members, who are grieving deeply at their loss(es)
that our fallen heroes gave their everything (their comfort, their future, their kids, their spouses, their LIFE) so that we can live in freedom.
that life is precious and irreplaceable.

As you’re enjoying a “day off from work” will you please take time to let your heart break at the actual sacrifices that went into this “3 day weekend”?

Will you please reach out to the surviving family members you know and let them know how grateful you are for their sacrifice?

Will you please not just scroll past all of the flags and graves and ignore what they represent?

I know it’s big. I know it can feel heavy. I know it’s not all delights and sprinkles.

AND YET
we cannot forget
we cannot brush over it
we cannot pretend we don’t know
we cannot let their sacrifices be in vain

Friends, I know it’s not a popular subject, but OUR FREEDOMS ARE NOT FREE

The very least we can do is stop and say THANK YOU! Have a moment of silence and say a prayer for those who remain in their absence.

Thank you isn’t enough, and words can’t even begin to express the gratitude for the lives laid down for this amazing country
Thank you won’t bring them back
Thank you won’t change the fact that their families will live the rest of their lives without them

Kids are growing up without parents
Brothers and sisters were lost
Marriages were abruptly cut short
Parents had to bury their children

If you’ve never opened the door to soldiers in uniform, there to deliver the devastating news of a cherished life lost, you’ll never truly know.
If you’ve never lost someone in the line of duty, willingly giving their life for something they believe in, you’ll never truly know.
If you’ve never taken the time to learn about how and why our country was founded, and what it’s truly taken to maintain the freedom in this incredible nation, you’ll never truly know.