In Honored Memory

The highlighted date on my calendar reminds me that today is a holiday. I don't have to go to work today. Some would even call today a vacation. Retailers will turn profits today on mass sales. Grills all across the country will be fired up & filled with all kinds of meats for the annual BBQ. Memorial Day has become lost on us. What was meant to honor our armed forces has just become another day of vacation. I'm guilty of taking this holiday lightly in years past, but now, more than ever, I'm grasping the breadth of all Memorial Day represents. You see, my friends, the men & women in uniform do not take their duty lightly. We wake up today & have freedoms that many people laid down their lives to protect. I've never met a soldier who wouldn't do it all over again. Sure, the comfort of a warm bed & running plumbing is difficult to leave, but the heartbeat of a soldier is protecting the freedom of America. It is their honor & duty, & they would brave the terrors of war to keep us safe & free. I've been thinking so much lately about honor & value. When I think about things I place value on, it certainly tells me where my heart is, and quite frankly, is sometimes a realization that priorties need to change. When I think about the men & women who have died for us & those who still fight, I'm humbled. They fight for people they don't even know. They're fully aware that they may never return home. Their sacrifice is so selfless. Take for instance, the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The tomb is guarded by the Sentinels of the Third United States Infantry Regiment "Old Guard". These Sentinels guard this special tomb in Arlington National Cemetery 365 days a year, 24 hours per day, seven days a week. They do not stop in rain, heat, or snow. These soldiers are required to commit two years of their life to guard the tomb. They cannot drink alcohol or speak a swear word FOR THE REST OF THEIR LIVES, lest they give up this privilege. The Sentinels creed speaks of their dedication to their sacred duty & serving it with dignity & respect. That is strong! Their discipline & dedication is overwhelming. As for the blessed soul who rests there, it is etched on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, 'Here rests in honored glory, an American Soldier known but to God'. This soldier not only gave his life for his country, he gave his identity. It is only fitting that the Sentinels who guard the tomb take 21 steps, pause 21 seconds, & repeat. That is reminiscent of the twenty-one gun salute, which is the highest honor given any military. I thank God for this unknown soldier & for every single man & woman who has fought to keep America safe & free. I know that freedom isn't free. Today, I honor you precious military & extend my most sincere appreciation for your service. May we never take your sacrifice for granted. You are truly America's heroes. I pray God's protection over you, comfort for your family, & continued blessing on America.