This day is often overlooked by, well, many of us. The holiday is often characterized by cookouts, hot dogs, and quality time spent with family and friends. All these things are great but we can't forget the real meaning behind this holiday, which is to honor our servicemen and women and their daily sacrifices for us. I know that I take them (and my freedom) for granted a lot as I'm sure you all do as well. Chances are either one of our loved ones is serving or we know someone who has a loved one in the military. There is a guy at my church who serves in the Army Reserves and just got back from Afghanistan not too long ago.
I also have a special member of my family who served in the Navy during WWII. My grandpa, who is 88 years old, served in Japan on the USS Chicago. I'm fascinated by the stories he tells me and he said that he even got to see Gen. Douglas Macarthur sign the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which ended the Allied occupation of Japan in 1951. I'm proud to call him my grandpa and proud of his service for our country after the attacks on Pearl Harbor. I'm glad that he's still living to tell me these amazing stories. Without them, I probably wouldn't have as much of an appreciation for what our servicemen and women do on a daily basis.
Thank you U.S. Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard members for your valiant service to our country. I, along with many others, will continue to pray for you as you protect our freedom!
