by Ana Hoffman 12 comments

We Live Because They Gave Us the Freedom to Live

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This day is a very special one in the heart of every American.

It should be anyway.

Today is Memorial Day and we spend it not just enjoying a beautiful summer day off, family get togethers, BBQs, etc.

We shouldn’t anyway.

Today we are honoring those who fought to give us the freedom to BBQ and hang out with our families.

Those who sacrificed so that we can have.

“In Memorium”

By Lilian Leader, June 2, 2006

“Have you ever looked, really looked, at a soldier’s face? Sometimes it’s young, barely an adult ­ the hopes of youth still painted in its features. Sometimes it’s old ­ older than faith, older than wisdom, older than time. And sometimes…sometimes it’s a bit of both all at once.

Sometimes it’s gritty and pained, remembering the face of another who has fallen. Sometimes it’s laughing, pleased to have a moment of peace. Most of the time it’s proud because it knows, oh yes it knows, the world is a different place ­ a better place ­ because of it.

Next time you look at a soldier’s face, see if you can find that glint of pride. Sometimes it’s hidden, and you have to search it out. You’ll find it in the eyes ­ always in the eyes. For the eyes are indeed the windows to the soul, even a soldier’s soul.

And when you’ve carefully examined every feature of that soldier’s face, stand up straight and tall and smile your best smile. Thank that soldier, because it does what some cannot or will not. It defends what it believes to be right ­ with it’s very life. But more important, it defends a perfect stranger ­ you.

And when you see a flag covered casket, stand in memorium of all the soldier’s faces you’ve examined. For when one of them falls, they all fall. And when one of them stands, they all stand.

Shouldn’t we stand with them?”


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{ 12 comments }

Pete June 9, 2011 at 4:23 am

The soldiers are the true heroes of our time. How could we forget what they have done just to keep us what we are now? They showed us real courage and I think it is our job to praise and give back our thanks to them.

Ana June 9, 2011 at 8:57 am

That’s right. I just had to honor them on that day, especially since my husband was one too.

Chukwuka Okwukwe Chukwuka July 18, 2011 at 3:21 pm

Hi! Ana.

Just saw this on twitter and decided to visit because it’s way out of your niche.

I attended a military secondary school and the soldiers there made me proud. I wanted to be like them but my mum restricted me because I’m an only son. :-(

I really do admire a soldier’s bravery and your husby too.

A post that touched my heart.

Thanks, Ana. We ought to value them.

P.S: What’s BBQ?

Ana | Traffic Generation July 18, 2011 at 6:17 pm

I suppose life had a different plan for you, huh? :)

BBQ is an all-american way to cook any kinds of meat, fish, vegetables on a grill outdoors. Very popular on holidays like this one.

Chukwuka Okwukwe Chukwuka July 18, 2011 at 6:26 pm

Yeah! I guess life’s plan for me is to be a famous author and blogger and all other tit bits associated with it. :-)

Thanks for the explanation of BBQ. I suppose it’s aka Barbecue, right?

Ana July 19, 2011 at 11:40 am

That’s right, Chukwuka. :-)

Justin | Mazzastick May 30, 2011 at 1:00 pm

Hi Ana,
It seems that every American Holiday has to do with others sacrificing themselves for the greater good.

I would like to personally acknowledge and express sincere gratitude for the Service Men and Women who humbly place their lives on the line to keep us safe and secure.

Ana May 31, 2011 at 3:00 am

I guess that is why we celebrate their lives – as they made a difference.

Allie May 30, 2011 at 9:16 am

Ana,

Well put.

I would not be able to love free and live free if it weren’t for the service men and women, past and present, that risk and lost their lives.

Thank you to my husband, my step father (rest in peace Raymond, you crazy Airborne Paratrooper!), my neighbors, my friends.

I am a proud American. I love my country. The people here are true and hard working.

We fly a flag everyday.

Happy Memorial Day!

~Allie

Ana May 30, 2011 at 10:39 am

I am with you, Allie!

Thanks to my husband for serving as well…

Have a great Memorial Day!

Melody @ Deliberate Receiving May 30, 2011 at 7:47 am

Thank you for the beautiful tribute Ana. What a great reminder that today isn’t just about picnics and beer. ;) I’m sure any soldier that reads this will feel your gratitude.

Hugs,
Melody

Ana May 30, 2011 at 10:37 am

Thank you, Melody – we all need to be reminded sometimes.

Have a great day as well!

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