A Time to Remember — Memorial Day

Traditionally, Americans have remembered, at the end of every month of May, a special group of people whom we may not have ever known, but whose life meant more to us than we might realize, know, or truly appreciate.
On Monday, May the 26th, Americans celebrated Memorial Day. Many Americans enjoyed time away from their employment and were able to participate in various recreational activities, family outings, picnics, shopping, or just rest and relaxation. Many others were working to provide goods and services to, and for, others. The American “way of life” experienced by the citizens of the United States has been safeguarded and protected by those valiant heroes, soldiers, military, and intelligence personnel who have committed and dedicated their life in service to our country and all of its citizens.
Memorial Day is that special day when we recognize and acknowledge the ultimate “sacrifice” which many in the military have made by their service to our country. Since the founding of this great nation over 236 years ago, millions of U.S. citizens have chosen to enlist in, or were required to join, the Armed Forces and to be a part of the effort and mission to keep this country safe and protected from enemies, other countries, competing and unacceptable forms of government or philosophies, dictators, and monarchs. These same men and women were willing to place at risk their God-given human life to insure that the United States of America could and would remain free and independent, and determine its own future and course of action.
Most of us routinely take for granted our ability to roam our local streets and neighborhoods without too many cares or concerns of either a foreign nation, dictator, or military leader affecting or controlling our ability to seek personal enjoyment. The men and women of the American military, armed forces, and intelligence services have served (and are serving) with valor, bravery, and honor, to insure that others might continue to enjoy the opportunity to live in a land filled with opportunity, choices, advantages, privileges, and freedom.
Unfortunately, the “freedom” we currently experience and enjoy is not “free” at all, since many thousands have paid, and are paying the price (on our behalf) in personal “sacrifice” to insure that “others” have the most freedom granted or permitted.
Memorial Day is that day each year when our country is asked to stop and remember all of those many thousands of men and women who have given their life in the service to, and for, this great country and all of its citizens. These heroes and patriots served our country with pride and distinction to insure that each generation of Americans could enjoy a society and life style that is viewed as being free, and remains the envy of the rest of the world.
Each of these deceased men and women gave their life in service to our country and for “ALL” of its citizens. These brave heroes did not merely give their lives for those whom they might have personally liked, or with whom they always agreed, or for those who might have been related to them or their family.
Each one possessed a special and unique sense of duty, honor, and commitment, and protected the rights, privileges, and opportunities of each and every citizen (regardless of “their” political or religious affiliation, gender, race, color, or creed). We, who live under the banner of freedom in America, should be grateful and thankful to those men and women remembered on Memorial Day, since the freedom we enjoy has been made possible by their service and personal “sacrifice.”
Please express your thanks and sincere appreciation to all of our men and women in the military, armed forces, and intelligence services who are currently serving, or who have served our country in the past, and have provided, or are continuing to provide, the protections we tend to take for granted as we go about our lives not only on Memorial Day weekend, but every day thereafter.
Also, please remember in your thoughts and prayers all of those men and women who gave their life in service to, and for, our country, its citizens, and our “American Way of Life.” We should also remember those law enforcement and fire fighters who have lost their lives while serving the needs of the citizens that they were dedicated to serve and protect.
On Monday the 26th, Americans personally thanked God for these wonderful people who selflessly gave their life for our freedoms and lifestyles which we so easily and casually enjoy. May God continue to hold them in His hands, and may God continue to richly bless the United States of America.
Christians might recall a verse which seems to say it all: “Greater love than this, no one has, than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” John 15:13.
I hope you all enjoyed a safe and Happy Memorial Day.
J.H. Campbell Jr.
jcampbell@agbr.com
Associated Grocers Inc.
P.O. Box 261748
Baton Rouge, La. 70826-1748