Monday, May 30, 2011

where honor is due...


When I asked Ben the other day why we celebrate Memorial Day his response was, "to honor the fallen." What a true response.
Memorial Day is not just another day off work and school, not a day of sales, not about BBQ's, a camping trip and not about gatherings. Yet it is a day to remember all those who have valiantly given their lives for our freedom. It doesn't matter if you agree or disagree with past or present wars because what it boils down to is men and women have sacrificed their lives for our freedom. They have taken on the task of that and have not been forced but have volunteered.
When growing up I remember we would go and put flags in front of the headstones of fallen soldiers. The Memorial Day before our accident they were looking for volunteers to do the same at one of the near bye post grave yards of fallen soldiers. Ben had to work they morning of the flag placing but my little brother was in town and so we decided to do it. We were not the only ones there. There were mothers, little children, veterans, elderly...all there to honor those who had served. I will never forget that moment. It was humbling and my heart swelled with pride. I remember reading the names, seeing the dates and looking at the headstones of which these men and women's lives were laid under. I could only imagine if I had a loved one their and just to know that someone was there honoring them would be such a blessing. The task of placing the flag in the ground was not done haphazardly. We were given a piece of dowling to measure the exact distance from the end of the headstone out and then use that same dowling to put a hole in the ground for the flag. Each flag was the same distance from the headstone. When you looked across the grassy fields now you not only saw perfectly placed headstones but now perfectly placed flags in front. If you ever have the chance to do this....do it!
I think the most humbling part about the experience was to see the empty spaces. The ones that didn't have a name or a cross yet but a simple marker that one would be place. My heart broke to see these because that meant there would be another fallen soldier. My thoughts went to Ben...it could be him! This scared me but at the same time I was at peace. This job was something God had called him to do. No one else asked him, encouraged, forced, pushed, prodded...it was a decision between Ben and the Lord. He heard God say "Go" and he went. Ben has taken great pride in serving his country and he has done an AMAZING job! Still to this day (and this morning) Ben has woken up and said, "I need to get better so I can go back to work!" This is his calling and I am grateful to him!
He like many other soldiers take pride in what they do. They want to do their job well, they want to succeed. This is no easy task for them but they do it proudly!
This is where they need to be honored! Those who have already given their lives and those whom are still serving. Appreciate them, pray for them and give them your thanks. Many soldiers like Ben don't like all the appreciation and hoopla because they know it is their job and duty but when someone goes out of their way just to say, "thank you" the meaning of that goes deep into their hearts.
Also, thank the families who have lost someone. They also need to be honored because they are deeply affected by the loss of a loved one. Thank the Kesslers, Emma, Kiley, Erin, Brittany, Catie-Anne, Grider family, the McDowells, Miles, Caroline, Hildago family and so many others...
It is our duty, priviledge and honor do to this!
Not to say that we shouldn't have BBQ's, go shopping and the things listed above but don't forget to pause, remember where we are, what we have and for the thousands who have and are making sacrifices for our freedom!


{our lil Georgian friends}

7 comments:

Anonymous said...

AMEN and AMEN!!! Thank you for your sacrifice for my freedom, Ben. I honor you and trust Father to hold you in the palm of His hand. A grateful American, Marion

Laurel said...

Great post!

My eldest son served for 4 1/2 years (2 1/2 which were spent in Iraq).

My second son is currently serving.

Two more of my sons talk about serving "when I grow up".

We are proud of (and so thankful for) the men and women that have risked their lives (and given their lives) for the freedom of our country.

Laurel

Emily said...

What a neat thing to do growing up. They all definitely need to be honored. Past and present!

Jennifer said...

We are truly thankful for soldiers like Ben who sacrifice so very much to protect our freedoms. And equally grateful to loving wives and families, like yourself, who sacrifice so much to share your loved ones with this great country.

Our prayers are with you and Ben--what a beautiful couple you are and a great example to all of us of how to always look for the positives in the midst of great adversity. I know Heavenly Father will continue to bless you both for your great faith and example.

Many heartfelt thanks from our family to yours!!

much love,
jennifer

Grandmabeckyl.blogspot said...

Thanks for the post. We try to get to a service every year in town at a cemetery where they have an avenue of flags and a service....love the time to remember those who gave their lives for the freedom of our country. We were out there today and got some shots, like I always do, of flags and flowers. Lest we forget...that would be sad. Hugs to you and Ben and prayers as well. Praying he gets better soon!

Lauren said...

Great post! The video was amazing! Happy Memorial Day!

Kim @ The Gab said...

Thanks for this awesome reminder. My grandpa has such a special place in my heart for his years of service. This is such an important weekend to honor our loved ones, those who have sacrificed their lives, and even those we don't know who are currently serving. Also, thank you Ben!