Happy Veterans Day!

I've been a little hesitant to post much about Veterans Day because when I consider the sacrifice they made for our freedom, saying "thank you" seems so insignificant.  I mean I've never actually put my life on the line for people I know, much less for people I don't know, and some of whom don't even respect the very thing soldiers stand for.  How can I say thank you on a beautiful day downtown on Main Street and feel like I did something good for you?  When you spent years away from your family in foreign lands in real life or death situations?  Am I even worthy of telling you thank you and not doing more to honor the sacrifice you made for me and my family?  I cannot begin to say thank you enough for your sacrifice of so many aspects of your life; your time, your family presence, your finances, and too many more to name.

 

I remember it being instilled in me from an early age just how great the United States of America was and having a sense of pride in being an American.  We sang songs in choirs and musicals that proclaimed the greatness of our beloved country, and I was taught to view people in the military with admiration and respect.  But it seems that watching politics and media today that we are missing something, a knowledge of who we are...or who we were.  We gripe and complain about so many meaningless insignificant things and let them become our focus.  We should be focused on being one nation under God that is indivisible, not a people that are split and divided on so many fronts.  I don't know how to rectify the issues that our country has, nor do I believe that any one political candidate has all the answers to save us.  But I do know that our first step should be getting back to being "one nation under God" and let Him take it take from there.

 

I'm aware that my freedom was not free.  And I am grateful to the many men and women who have been, and are willing, to pay that price for me by their ultimate sacrifice.  Without their willingness to serve and risk everything, I could not enjoy the life that I live today.  So as meaningless as it feel to just say the words, I really do want to thank you.  And to quote John F. Kennedy, "As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them."

 

The only sacrifice greater than that of the soldier is that of God who gave up his only son, Jesus Christ to save us (John 3:16) from the constraints of sin and the death it would lead to (Romans 6:23).  Thank you Lord for offering us that freedom from sin through the shedding of your perfect son's blood.

 

Before she passed, my Grandma gave me my Grandpa's dog tags.  I don't look at them and hold them often enough, but every time I do I get chills.  I feel a sense of pride in God and Country that I cannot believe comes from simply holding a piece of metal.  He faithfully served both and was an amazing testimony to what God can do through one simple man who loves Him, and loves his country.

 

And I'm proud to be an American,
Where at least I know I'm free.
And I won't forget the men who died,
Who gave that right to me.
And I'd gladly stand up next to you
And defend Her still today.
'Cause there ain't no doubt
I love this land
God Bless the U.S.A.