As the notes of patriotic music and the mournful tones of TAPS grow dim, we are reminded once again that the wonderful freedoms we enjoy as Americans were purchased by the incredible sacrifice of our veterans. Through wars, police actions, conflicts, and national emergencies, our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines responded to the call of their nation. It was never convenient, never easy, and never profitable. Always, fewer came home than left originally. Of those who returned, many sacrificed arms, legs, and horrible wounds. All who tasted the sting of battle left a bit of themselves on the scenes of conflict.
In our frightful world, the freedoms we enjoy----freedom to vote for our leaders and the legal parameters that will govern our lives, freedom to worship the god of our convictions, freedom to rise according to our abilities rather than our connections, freedom of association, etc.----these are always under threat. The world's tyrants, despots, and bullies all want to usurp our system and steal our freedom. They always have and they always will. What keeps them from doing it? Simple: our nation's finest young people wearing the uniform of their nation and willing to pay any price to protect America's principles and people!
So----as this week progresses----when you enjoy moving freely, and worshiping freely----thank a Vet! You've inherited the privilege....someone else paid the price! Make the way you live your own way of saying, "thanks!"
As you live this week, give thanks for your faith by living it. Worship God by doing His will. Pledge yourself to your faith and faith community by passing your faith on to others. And remember: There are little white crosses, tablets, and gravestones around the world standing as a silent witness that once there was an American in that place who believed in our freedoms. Live them, uphold them, and pass them on. Others are standing guard right now to ensure that you can do that! Thank God! And thanks to them!
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2000
In our frightful world, the freedoms we enjoy----freedom to vote for our leaders and the legal parameters that will govern our lives, freedom to worship the god of our convictions, freedom to rise according to our abilities rather than our connections, freedom of association, etc.----these are always under threat. The world's tyrants, despots, and bullies all want to usurp our system and steal our freedom. They always have and they always will. What keeps them from doing it? Simple: our nation's finest young people wearing the uniform of their nation and willing to pay any price to protect America's principles and people!
So----as this week progresses----when you enjoy moving freely, and worshiping freely----thank a Vet! You've inherited the privilege....someone else paid the price! Make the way you live your own way of saying, "thanks!"
As you live this week, give thanks for your faith by living it. Worship God by doing His will. Pledge yourself to your faith and faith community by passing your faith on to others. And remember: There are little white crosses, tablets, and gravestones around the world standing as a silent witness that once there was an American in that place who believed in our freedoms. Live them, uphold them, and pass them on. Others are standing guard right now to ensure that you can do that! Thank God! And thanks to them!
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2000
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