Most of us out probably have Monday off and there are trips to the shore, family barbecues and opportunity to work on the garden. It's wonderful having a little extra time to recharge and enjoy being with friends and family, but let us not forget the meaning behind this holiday. As we grill, laugh with friends and family and soak in a little down time we are able to do all of these things because of the selfless sacrifice of the countless men and women in uniform who paid the ultimate sacrifice.
As kids we said the pledge of allegiance in school. As adults we pause and place our hands over our hearts as we listen to the Star Spangled Banner at ball games. But do we realize the magnitude of our freedom? How often do we connect that our every day freedoms have come with a very great cost? The many men and women who have worn a uniform, swore to protect us and gave their last breath becoming the true definition of sacrifice. It is these men and women who are heroes and who we should honor every single day.
Today I think of the many friends my father lost who served in Vietnam. I think of a dear family friend, Jared Leonard, who served in the Middle East. I close my eyes as I sit in my backyard under a canopy of stars without fear of gunfire, being arrested for writing my thoughts on this blog or the possibility of being stoned to death for attending church services tomorrow morning.
As you enjoy this weekend and go about your day with friends and family take the time to pause, remember and give thanks to those who are no longer with us. Freedom is a gift and a beautiful thing, but it has not come without great cost.
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