On a day
like today, we see pictures and hear stories of those valiant soldiers who
fought and died in places like Omaha Beach, the Chosin Resevoir, and Hamburger
Hill. Faces of those who died in Khe San, Al Kut, Ramadi, Fallujah, and Kandahar
scroll across newsstands and tv screens, and they echo in the hearts and minds
of people who knew them. And through it all, we thank them for the cost they
paid. What they did can never be repaid, never be earned.
But as I
reflected on those who have laid down their lives in the name of freedom, I
began to realize something. The security of our freedom in America is only
found in our willingness to continue paying for it.
See, the
freedom that we experience in our nation has never been secured with one
payment. Unlike our eternal freedom through the sacrifice of Jesus, our freedom
in America requires constant payment. It’s something we don’t like to think
about. But it’s nothing short of the truth.
As a father,
I cannot fathom the pain of losing one of my sons on the battlefield. But I’ve
spoken with many parents who have. Their resolve and their strength are utterly
amazing. And each one that I’ve spoken with has told me essentially the same
thing. One of the reasons they can go on; one of the reasons they can press
forward is because they believe the sacrifice their child made wasn’t made in
vain. They know that the freedom of many was secured because of what their son
or daughter did. And they know there will be others who step up to carry on.
My question
is this: what are we willing to do to carry that sacrifice forward? I have to
ask myself, what sacrifices will I make in the future to secure the freedom of
others? It’s a responsibility we all have.
We cannot
and we must not simply rely on others to do for us. We must take responsibility
and ownership of what has been given to us by those who went before us.
You want to
honor those who have gone before us? Then be willing to step up and sacrifice.
Many have.
Many are. Many will. And that cost is one we need to remember today as well.
