“Our flag does not fly because the wind moves it. It flies with the last breath of each soldier who died protecting it.”
-–Unknown
We Americans often take the gift of freedom that we all enjoy for granted, never giving much thought to what was required in order to attain it and keep it.
It’s often said that “freedom isn’t free“, and that’s definitely true. Freedom had to be purchased, and keeping it requires a recurring payment that must be made on a continuous basis.
I have come to believe that few among us have a clear understanding of the sheer magnitude of that enormous cost.
Beginning with day one of our struggle for American independence, brave patriots have been putting their lives on the line 24/7/365 to first win our freedom, and then preserve it.
Over the course of those roughly two and a half centuries there hasn’t been a single second of a single day when thousands of brave men and women weren’t serving somewhere on our planet to protect our nation and our freedoms.
Unfortunately, many of those brave patriots either returned home in caskets, or never returned at all, leaving countless families mourning the loss of a dear loved one who gave their all so the rest of us can remain free.
I’ve heard it said that Memorial Day isn’t a day for celebration, but instead a day of mourning and reflection.
Personally, I believe that’s only half true…
Yes, we should definitely spend this day honoring and mourning the loss of those who gave their all in the defense of our freedom. They were true heroes who deserve the utmost in honor, respect and thanks.
But I believe we should also celebrate what those amazing folks died for: The distinct honor of living in the most free, and most generous country on Earth.
I don’t believe the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guard members who paid for our freedom with their blood would want us to refrain from enjoying it, even for a single day. The cost was was way too high not to enjoy it to the max.
There’s no reason why we can’t celebrate our freedom while also remembering and honoring those who purchased it on our behalf. We owe them no less.
To finish up, here’s a short video that brings into sharp focus the true cost of freedom. I hope it touches you as much as it did me.
Note: You can watch this video at full screen by clicking the little “square” icon in the lower-right corner of the video after it begins playing.