2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)
For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and
love and self-control
This Veterans Day many of us wonder what are our troops
are doing and what is their purpose. In case you are not sure, this is what
they are doing. They are doing the same thing that our troops did in WWI, WWII,
the Korean War, and in Vietnam. They are fighting and dying to secure the
freedom of other people in other lands. It is interesting to note that many
people who do not know or have forgotten what is to be free, often do not appreciate
freedom. They often do not appreciate those who are fighting for their freedom.
The reverse can also true; people who lived their whole lives in freedom can
take it for granted and not appreciate that freedom. They also do not
appreciate it when our troops fight for the freedom of other people.
When we take freedom for granted, we tend to forget what
that freedom cost. We forget that freedom is not free. It always comes at a
high price; and that price is almost always the blood of the men and women who
are willing to fight for freedom. It is a high price to pay, but the men and
women of our armed forces are willing to pay the price. On Veterans Day, we
honor those who paid the price of freedom with their lives. We honor those men
and women who came home in a flag draped wooden box. We honor those men and
women who were buried at sea. They deserve our honor, and they deserve our
remembrance.
On Veterans Day however, we need to remember that it is
not just the veterans who pay the price. They leave behind families; wives,
husbands, children, girlfriends and boyfriends, friends and relatives. We tend
to forget that our troops say goodbye to their loved ones as they head out to
fight for freedom in foreign lands. Veterans Day is also about those loved ones
who are left behind, watching as the aircraft leaves the runway and as the
ships leave the docks. They wipe tears from their eyes as they wonder if they
will ever see their loved ones alive again. It is also about those who wash the
gravestone of their fallen spouse with their tears. It is also about those
children who don't understand why their daddy or mommy isn't ever going to come
home again.
On this Veterans Day as we remember our hero's who
sacrificed their lives in the line of duty, we also remember their loved ones
who sacrificed a large portion of their hearts and their lives. Do not forget
the family members who grieve over the loss of their loved ones who paid the
ultimate price. The price of freedom is high, but it is worth every drop of
blood it takes to secure and maintain it. Always remember that freedom is worth
the cost.
Dear Lord, we thank You for the men and women that have served
so that we may have the freedoms we have. We also pray for the families
that have lost loved one, we pray for
comfort and peace for the, In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
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