Remembering Those Who Gave Everything

Sometimes I think we take our freedoms for granted. The ability to speak our minds, practice our faith, pursue our dreams, and yes, even write whatever we want on our blogs — these aren’t universal rights.

They’re privileges that came at an incredible cost.

Every star on our flag represents states united in freedom. Every stripe represents the blood and sacrifice of those who fought to keep us that way. And every time that flag waves, it’s a reminder that freedom isn’t free.

It was purchased with the lives of heroes who believed that something was more important than their own survival — the idea that future generations should live without tyranny, without oppression, without fear.

My grandfather served in World War II and went to Japan for the cleanup afterward. He came home, but so many didn’t.

When I think about the young men who stormed the beaches of Normandy, who fought in the Pacific, who gave everything they had in the belief that freedom was worth dying for — I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.

These weren’t just soldiers. They were sons and daughters, husbands and wives, fathers and mothers. They had dreams, plans, people they loved. They gave up their tomorrows so we could have ours.

Memorial Day should be more than a single day of remembrance. The families who lost their loved ones carry that grief every day. Gold Star families don’t get to turn off their loss when the holiday ends.

But today, we collectively pause to honor their sacrifice. We remember that the freedoms we enjoy — the right to worship, to speak, to write, to dream — were secured by people who were willing to pay the ultimate price.

So how do we honor their memory? By living lives worthy of their sacrifice. By using our freedoms responsibly. By never taking for granted what they died to protect. By rearing our children to understand that liberty requires both vigilance and gratitude. By recognizing that freedom isn’t free — it comes with a cost.

By remembering that every day we get to live freely is a gift they gave us.

Today, as you enjoy time with family and friends, as you fire up the grill or head to the beach, take a moment to remember. Say a prayer for the families who have empty chairs at their tables. Thank a veteran. Teach your children why this day matters.

And remember that freedom isn’t just something we inherited — it’s something that was fought for, died for, and continues to be protected by brave men and women who put service above self.

To every fallen hero: Your sacrifice was not in vain. We remember. We honor. We are grateful.

To every Gold Star family: Your loved one’s sacrifice means everything to us. They live on in the freedom we enjoy every day.

To our active military and veterans: Thank you for your continued service and sacrifice.

This Memorial Day, and every day, we remember those who gave everything so we could have everything.