Several years ago, I visited my parents while they lived near Fort Campbell. I was privileged to attend a ceremony welcoming home soldiers from their deployment down-range. We watched as the aircraft landed, then the hanger doors opened and they marched in formation into the hanger, where loved ones strained to get that first glimpse of their soldier. The ceremony was awe-inspiring as the commanding officers welcomed our boys (and girls) home. The chaplain prayed. Everyone sang the Army song, and the cheers that went up in that hanger was like nothing I had heard before.
I was witness to fathers meeting their new born child for the first time, seeing parents hug their sons and daughters with tears in their eyes, and seeing wives take their husband's hand for the first time in months. What a joy to share in that moment where we salute those who are returning home after sacrificing so very much.
On another visit, I was privileged to attend the ceremony of a soldier who paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving his country down-range. The closed coffin, the picture with the wreath, the American flag, the tears.. so many tears. Though I had never met this soldier, I cried tears of thanksgiving for this young man who gave his life for me, I cried for his wife and kids, for his parents, and siblings. Oh the price of freedom is so very high.
This Veterans Day, I want to challenge you - from here on, if you see someone in uniform, stop and say "thank you". Don't save it for special holidays. They serve 365 days a year. Our thanks is the least we can do for them. A simple "Thank you" goes a long way. You don't have to know them personally to thank them. They don't know you personally, yet they serve you. Let us honor those who fight to keep us free.
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was born across the sea,
With a glory in His bosom that transfigures you and me:
As He died to make men holy, let us live to make men free;
While God is marching on.
Glory! Glory! Hallelujah! Glory! Glory! Hallelujah!
life.joy.chocolate. thankful
Comments (2)
Thanks, Amy. Well said. It was an honor to serve the families of the 101st Airborne Division for three years. Love you much.
AMEN!!!