Memorial Day 2017: Remember

America has changed significantly over the years, and to many in 2017, this day is symbolic of time off from work or possibly a weekend of fun with family. But let us never forget the brave men and women who, at the cost of their very life, were willing to place themselves in the direct path of those intent upon destroying freedom and liberty.

As time passes, the great cost of war is often forgotten by those who live in freedom, specifically by those who have never had to fight in its defense. Let us never forget the American solider who has fought, suffered, and died on distant fields of battle so that we do not have to die defending freedom on the streets of our hometown. The cost of freedom has proven itself to be high, and liberty has come at a great cost.

We are not a free nation because of our Constitution; we are a free nation because those who walked before us were willing to defend, at any cost, the words of that great document. Without their sacrifice, our Constitution is only words on a page.

We are not a free nation because of our flag; we are a free nation because generations of proud of Americans were willing to carry that flag to the very doorstep of those who wished harm upon the freedoms that flag represents.

We are not a free nation simply because we choose to be; we are a free nation because the American solider has placed their life in the treacherous gap that exists between liberty and tyranny...a gap where our choice to be free has been defended to the point of death.

So today, let us not forget those who have laid themselves upon the altar of freedom so that we may live free. Let us not forget the great cost that has been paid for our liberty. And, though we do grieve the death of those who have defended our nation, let us live with thankful hearts that such men and women of courage and honor existed.