Memorial Day 2009

Memorial Day 2009…A day to remember. I hope you join me in remembering and honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for your freedom.

I watched The View this morning with my wife. On that program Barbara Walters and her four friends had, as guests, two women who either still were or had been members of the military and had served in Iraq. Both had lost legs to roadside bombs. Concluding the interview Barbara Walters asked them, “Do you think the war there is worth it or has it been a mistake?” Without hesitation and in unison they said it was well worth it and both would even return to the fight again if possible. You could almost see Barbara Walters sink in despair. She had been caught off-guard never expecting such an answer.

While watching this show, I was struck by the fact at how many people simply do not “get it.” So many Americans live in a fantasy world in which they see self satisfaction as their primary goal in life. They live their lives so unrealistically, either unaware of or habitually denying the intense evil that exists in our world. They are totally unaware that their freedom is NOT free, it has cost the lives of a million of our best citizens since 1775 and will continue to cost the lives of America’s finest.

One of those to give his life was my uncle Paul Stuart. Among my mother’s memoirs is a letter from him during the course of his service in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Returning over the Sea of Japan after a bombing run on Kobe, his B-17 was shot down. He and his entire crew lost their lives. The only evidence of his service was the recovery of his leather flight jacket. In his letters back home he never mentioned about being scared, only that he was so happy flying, doing what he enjoyed doing best. As a result of his sacrifice, he never enjoyed the loving arms of a wife or the silly grins, loving hugs or infectious laughter of children whom he never fathered. He gave his life so that we as a nation could continue to live in freedom.

Our country is not perfect, and it never will be perfect. But this country is certainly the envy of the world. If not, then why are so many people in other countries risking so much attempting to come here for a better life. On this Memorial Day 2009, let us not forget those who have offered the ultimate sacrifice and continue to do so in order that we might enjoy lives that are blessed.