The Greatest Sacrifice

In honor of Memorial Day, and the brave men and women who have sacrificed so much for our freedom.

Today is a day that many take for granted, to most, it is nothing more than a day off of work, for others it is a day to work overtime.  For still others it is a bother, a nuisance that they have to deal with more people.  Yet for some, it is a day of mourning and remembrance.  Today is fittingly named Memorial Day.  Today we remember the brave men and women who sacrifice their time, energy, health, and yes, their lives, to allow us to have and enjoy the freedoms that we so often take for granted.  These men and women fought in the trenches of World War I, the beaches of Normandy, Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and many others in World War II, the forests of Korea, the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam, the sands of Desert Storm, and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.  These soldiers did not go to these places to enjoy the view, not for fun, not to go sight-seeing.  They went to defend and uphold the liberty and freedoms that we hold so dearly.  They left behind families, husbands, wives, children, friends, and careers.  As it has been so well said before, "All gave some, some gave all."  Jesus himself said "Greater love has no one than this: that someone lay down his life for his friends."  These men and women are a parallel to this, they lay down their lives so that others can be free, so that they can enjoy life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.  I had a great-grandfather who fought in World War II, a grandfather who fought in Vietnam, an uncle in the USAF, and my dad was in the navy.  I know what they went through, I heard their stories of what happened while they were in the military.  I know the sacrifices they made, the hardships they endured, the toll they took from their service.  So I challenge those who read this to look for opportunities to thank those men and women who have served, to thank them for their service and for their sacrifice.  Shake their hand, tell them "Thank you for your service, and welcome home."  You are sure to make their day.  And for anyone reading this who was in the armed forces, or is an active member, thank you.  Thank you for your service, and your sacrifice.  

Reviews

[~*~Peace Keeper~*~]

^^ I really liked reading this, it made me tear up toward the end. I like how you challenged people to show their thanks to these many people! They do sacrifice so much in order for us to have freedom and safety. I also really liked how you listed all the people in your family that went through war and being in the service, sounds like you have heard many interesting stories! Thank you for sharing this!

Great Job

[Jeremy Hiles]

I am glad you enjoyed it! Yes they do sacrifice so much. And yes, I have heard many, many interesting stories! You are welcome! And thank you for your review!

[~*~Peace Keeper~*~]

^^ You're welcome! Could you share some stories sometime? Not on here but in a message if you don't want to that's fine don't wanna be too nosy lol it is a family thing after all! ^^

[Jeremy Hiles]

Haha, sure, I wouldn't mind at all! There are some pretty interesting things they did! So not a problem! :)

[~*~Peace Keeper~*~]

^^ okie dokiez, sounds good!

[Kimberly Miller]

Wow, this was really good. I kinda of expected it to be based on how we need to remember the real meaning behind this day, but I felt like you went beyond that somehow, maybe with the detail or the personal relation, I don't know, but this was really good! You presented every side and how different people view this day. I thorough enjoyed this! :)

[Jeremy Hiles]

Thank you! I really tried to go beyond just remembering, and actually changing attitudes towards it! I am glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for your review! :)

[Kimberly Miller]

Your welcome! Well, it clearly shows that you put a lot of effort and took a unqiue approach than just remembering. :) I did and thank you for sharing!

[Jeremy Hiles]

:) Haha, yes I did have to think about it a lot, I wanted to make it as good as possible! And I wanted it to be unique as well! :) You're welcome!