Sonshine for the Soul - Memorial Day Weekend 2010
 
It isn't another run-of-the-mill long weekend, nor should the holiday be any less important.  Some years ago I was visiting in the Washington, DC area and we had gone to Arlington National Cemetery.  Yes, there are some very famous people that have been buried there but there was something else that stood out to me that took my breath away and humbled my heart.
 
As we drove into the cemetery area, looking through the fence as were driving around, you could see the beautiful lush green manicured lawns and a sea of white crosses, marking the graves of those who had gone before, those who had fought in wartime long ago, making the supreme sacrifice for the sake of freedom.  The crosses are in rows and staggered, so pristine, standing tall and strong, like our men and women in uniform. It truly helps to put into perspective the fact that in any war, it's far more than a "number" who have fought or died for our freedom...they are real people, who had hopes and dreams for a bright future, just like anyone else would.
 
They could have been the boy next door you'd played baseball with in the corner lot; the neighborhood fix-it man everyone called on to fix a broken window or repair a broken pipe; the newlywed husband, so anxious to start a new life with the woman of his dreams , a young man who just graduated from high school, yet is more than ready to serve his country in a land faraway, far removed from family and friends, the father of two with a new baby on the way...the list goes on with so many possibilities.
 
I believe this area of Arlington represented a war that took place much earlier in the 20th century. There probably weren't very many women in service at that time, but I don't want them to appear as any less important.  Any soldier, man or woman, shares some common bonds - an unselfishness to put others first, one who realizes that the price of freedom is never free, a passion to uphold all the freedoms that we hold so dear (yet sometimes take for granted), men and women of character, courage, and deep love for the USA.  Words to describe them are endless, and at the same time aren't enough to do them the justice they deserve.
 
For a lot of people, knowing someone who has served in the Armed Forces, is within the realm of family or friend.  My grandfather served in the Army-Air Force in WWII.  My husband served in the Navy on the USS Oriskany while in Vietnam.  Our son-in-law has been in Afghanistan (he is Navy, serving with the Marines) since last November, and we are so excited he will be heading back home in just over a week, after his first deployment.
 
There hasn't been a day that has passed by that a prayer hasn't been sent heavenward, that our thoughts have held him close, in a safe place, though he is in a foreign land on the other side of the world, living a life that is far different than from the one he's ever known before.  He is husband, father, son, brother, friend.  It's never easy to leave, for anyone.  It's hard on the soldier, and hard on the loved ones left behind.  Our soldier left his wife, newborn son (he'll soon be nine months old) and older children, ages 10 and 12 at home. 
 
On our daughter's Facebook page she had this notation, "In the minute it takes you to read this, military members all over the world are saving lives and missing their families while caring for yours. It's Military Appreciation Week, so...if you are in the military, love someone who is, if you have special memories of a Fallen Hero or simply appreciate the sacrifices the members of the military and their families make for you, let them know.  God bless them all!"
 
I say, every day we should show our appreciation to our beloved and courageous military men and women.  One day I was with my husband as he went to our local VA clinic to see his doctor.  We were in the reception area, waiting to be called back.  An elevator was close by and an older gentleman stepped out.  He had a ball cap on, indicating a certain branch of the service.  I had seen him earlier, as we were walking into the clinic, but didn't say anything.  As this second opportunity presented itself, as tears welled up in my eyes, I wanted this Vet to know that I appreciated his service to/for our country.  We should tear up as we remember the sacrifice.  It should never be forgotten, it should never be taken for granted.
 
Just as Jesus sacrificed His life on the Cross at Calvary for you and I, and paid the supreme price for our Freedom from sin and to give us eternal life in Him, so our men and women in uniform have given their lives, their love, their blood, sweat and tears for us.  In John 15:13 (NIV) the Scripture says "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."  It was true of Jesus, and I believe that our soldiers have a heart for doing the same thing, for laying their lives on the line every day, for country and for freedom.
 
I looked up the meaning of the colors of our flag and I think their significance needs to be shared.
The meaning of the colors are: red for valor, white to stand for purity and innocence, and blue for vigilance, perseverance and justice.  Doesn't this describe our soldiers as well. 
 
Celebrate a soldier today.  Let them know you appreciate them.  Pray for them.  Hold them close in thought and in your heart.   Thank  God for these amazing heroes! May every day be Memorial Day. Let freedom ring.  Never be ashamed of the red, white and blue. God Bless the USA!
 
In the same way, there are others who put their lives on the line every day...so celebrate a policeman or fireman today! In God's love and grace, Susan