
There are many wonderful articles written surrounding Memorial Day. Many eloquent words far better than mine, speaking of the brave soldiers who went into battle fully knowing that there was a great chance that they would not be returning home to those who loved them, those whom they loved.
Thinking of these brave men and women, I have to believe that they put a lot of thought into what the outcome could be as they parachuted from planes, stepped out of landing transports on beaches, made their way into jungles or jumped from trucks into sand dunes. I believe these individuals considered the cost of what they were doing. It was something that they were not taking lightly, this commitment, this pledge to protect and defend. Every day, hundreds of thousands of individuals in the armed forces, police, fire fighters, and first responders place their lives on the line to protect, defend and rescue the lives of people they do not know. Because they have considered the cost, they are willing and ready to place all that they know and love into God’s hands as they fulfill an oath, a promise, a heart felt desire to rescue, free and remove from danger lives all around the world. May we pray for them, for their families and friends as they step into these rolls. May we lift up so many families whose loved ones did not return from battles throughout our history.
As Jesus said in John 15:13 “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” To lay down one’s life for those around our world who are in danger, captivity, facing torture, abuse and ultimate loss of life, those courageous individuals should be on our minds daily. May God protect them, strengthen them, give them peace and hope on their mission. May their families and loved ones know they are not alone as they go into battle. May the ones left behind Know They Will Never Be Forgotten.