[ampaterry]

Today is memorial day.

I love memorial day because it brings to mind the great privilege we have of living in a country where so many were willing to sacrifice themselves for the good of their family, neighbors, and country. I love it because it makes my chest swell with pride. I love it because when a country can produce such fine young people, I know that country is one of the best on the planet. I love it because it clearly shows that our freedom can never be taken from us as long as such people exist here. I love it because the signs of patriotism all around me in the flags and parades show me that America is still young and strong. I love it because it was so honored by my father-in-law Chuck Lewis, one of the finest Americans ever born.

I hate memorial day because it brings to mind the lives of so many fine young people that were much shorter than they should have been. I hate to think that my freedom has cost others so very much. I hate to think that the world is such an evil place that men and women have to die to keep the rest of us safe from being subjected to the whims of an evil dictator. I hate it because so many see it as only a three day weekend. I hate it because so many businesses use it for nothing but their own profit. I hate it because it reminds me of the torture, medical experiments and starvation which Chuck was put through in WWII, which finally took his life after years of suffering.
I find that I am hot on Memorial day and cold on Memorial day at the same time.
One thing is for sure, though.
I will never be indifferent towards it.

Lord, I beseech you that you would comfort all the families and friends of every service member who gave their life for this nation.
I ask that you would bless each one, and let them know that their loss is grieved by all of us.
And I ask these things in the Holy name of Jesus the Christ, the Lion of Judah.
Amen -

May God continue to bless us as he has been doing all along - -