"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."
John 15:13
Sunday, May 27, 2012
In Honor
Memorial Day is such an emotional day for so many people especially around here. There are 3 military bases nearby and many families have a family member or close friend that serves. I am so glad that we honor those who have given their lives for us to enjoy the freedoms that so many of us take for granted. In the past few months there have been news of several soldiers from our surrounding towns that will not be coming home, you can read an article here.
For me personally, my dad was in the Air Force for 28 years before retiring just a few years ago. My dad was deployed in several different countries to participate in Iraqi Freedom, the Ceasefire in Korea, Kuwait, Desert Storm- Desert Shield and several other places and missions. When I was younger, my dad never spoke about his experiences overseas. Now that I am older, he talks about his scary experiences seldom and how lucky we are to live in a country that allows us so many freedoms.
My grandfather joined the Navy when he was only 16 (during WWII) completed several terms of service. He later joined retired from the Air Force. My grandfather is such an admirable man and he is a Veteran of WWII, Vietnam and the Korean War. He was standing on the battleship Missouri during the formal surrender ceremony for Japan during WWII. My grandfather loves his country and I know he lost many friends during his time in the military. Now that he is growing older in age, his memories haunt him at times.
Here are a few people me and my family knew personally that we will remember today
Josh Born
I graduated from Niceville High School with Josh Born but I had known him since Elementary School. We had several classes together and had several mutual friends. We hung out when he came to visit our next door neighbors and I will always remember him as a great friend. He was killed just a month ago. Pray for his family, especially his wife Megan who I am sure needs to feels God's love and strength in her life.
Vanessa Pitts
Vanessa was a running companion of mine during Track and Field during High School. I participated in a Volleyball Camp with her during Middle School. She was a sweet girl who always had something nice to say. It has been just over 2 years since Vanessa became an angel. Pray that her family and fiance' are staying strong and know we will never forget their amazing Vanessa.
Patrick Griffin
My dad asked me to write a special note for one of his lost friends. I didn't know him personally but I know his family still misses him years later. Pray for his children that are growing up so fast and his wife.
* I put an asterisk next to Brent because he was 1 of 19 killed at the Khobar Towers.
I wanted to make special mention of him because he was my Sunday School teacher and he had a great impact on my life. I remember after the bombing his Fiance' came and took his entire class to a room to celebrate the life of Mr. Brent. She brought us teddy bears and gifts and I remember feeling a deep sorrow and loss. I was only 9 when the bombing occurred. This June 25th marks the 16th Anniversary of his death. I am planning on visiting the beautiful Memorial they have in place for the young men that lost their lives in that bombing. I know that there is a special place in heaven for the men and women that lay down their lives in service of others. They are now blessed to guard the golden gates to heaven. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers, I know he is still greatly missed, even 16 years later.
These are a few of many that deserve to be remembered today. There will be more to join them in the upcoming years as well. I have such a strong patriotic heart. I was planning on joining the Air Force during college. Then I had Little Man and I have such an enormous respect for those who suffer the heartbreak of leaving their loved ones to fight for our great nation. I am raising my children to respect those in uniform because FREEDOM IS NOT FREE! I hope everyone takes time today to pray for those that gave their lives, their families that are still on Earth and cherish the gift they have given us all.
We walked among the crosses
Where our fallen soldiers lay.
And listened to the bugle
As taps began to play.
The Chaplin led a prayer
We stood with heads bowed low.
And I thought of fallen comrades
I had known so long ago.
They came from every city
Across this fertile land.
That we might live in freedom.
They lie here 'neath the sand.
I felt a little guilty
My sacrifice was small.
I only lost a little time
But these men lost their all.
Now the services are over
For this Memorial Day.
To the names upon these crosses
I just want to say,
Thanks for what you've given
No one could ask for more.
May you rest with God in heaven
From now through evermore.
Prayer for Fallen Soldiers
Dear Lord Jesus and Mary, Mother of God,
Hold all these brave souls in the palm of your hand, comfort them and their families.
Send angels of protection, love, and comfort to all the service men and women still at war,
bring them home safely and comfort their families.
We ask all our prayers in Jesus' name. Amen.
Hold all these brave souls in the palm of your hand, comfort them and their families.
Send angels of protection, love, and comfort to all the service men and women still at war,
bring them home safely and comfort their families.
We ask all our prayers in Jesus' name. Amen.
Read more: http://www.beliefnet.com/Prayers/Catholic/Holidays/Prayer-For-Fallen-Soldiers.aspx#ixzz1vz1iauJD
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