Sitting here on a peaceful Saturday morning thinking of the upcoming weekend.  Let us not forget those who sacrificed all they had to serve our country.  Not only those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, but also those who because of injury are still suffering through a living hell.  My great appreciation for those who have a special dedication and calling to defend and protect the United States of America.  They deserve our highest honor and respect.  Praying for the family members who lost loved ones.  How difficult that must be.

As a young boy getting out of high school I was torn about the military.  The VietNam war was not only winding down, but a peace deal was in place.  Having heard the horrors of that undeclared war and the suffering it caused probably shaped me more than I knew at the time. My best friend and I almost joined the Air Force.  We definitely thought long and hard about it.  In the long run we decided it was not our life choice.  Looking back I wonder how different I would have been if that decision had been made to sign up.  We just never know….

The old adage is correct that they are only two people who would die for others, Jesus Christ and the American soldier.  The Bible says “that scarcely for a righteous man will one die, yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die.”  Jesus did that for us, He died even for those who hated Him and despised Him. One brought us everlasting life and the other paid a price they did not owe.  Thank you!  We are safer today and have a country that even with it’s problems is still the greatest country in the world. Our freedoms and liberties are safe guarded by those who today serve and defend those who really don’t deserve such dedication. 

For all those who paid the ultimate sacrifice, we salute you and honor your memory.  May the Lord bring comfort and peace to all families who lost a loved one.  Your sacrifice is not forgotten.  Rh