To all who have served, or are serving, in the Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy, Special Forces, Coast Guard, or the National Guard – and to their families who stand beside them and serve by keeping the home-fires burning – thank you!
I grew up an Army brat and Memorial Day has always been a big day for us. I lived overseas as a child, and when I hear the national anthem I don’t think of baseball and apple pie (although these are wonderful American traditions) I think of soldiers and sailors and marines – all of our armed service men and women – serving their country. They know and understand what it is to sacrifice for others. They live by words like commitment, honor, obedience, devotion, duty, courage and endurance.
Not only do our military routinely sacrifice what other Americans take for granted, but so do their spouses and families. Moving at a moment’s notice, isolation from family and friends, the wrenching transition of being a couple, then a ‘single parent’ and back again, and the knowledge of what their loved one is preparing for – defending their country – even if it means at the cost of their own life.
We would do well to follow the example of these American heroes. Just as military families are called upon to make daily sacrifices, so are we as believers. Commitment, sacrifice, obedience, devotion, duty, courage, endurance, honor, glory, faith, love, respect – these ideals come straight from the Father’s heart.
Hug a Vet today, and thank him or her – for all of us.
All for Him
Missy