Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.
~G.K. Chesterton
Today, here in the United States, is Veterans Day. It is a day to remember those courageous men and women who have fought for freedom. They’ve stood in harms way – they’ve encountered countless horrors – on our behalf.
Yet even with a day set aside, it’s often easy to forget. Perhaps we get caught up in the festivities of an extra holiday; perhaps we simply chalk it up as their job; perhaps we’re so against fighting that we lose sight of the sacrifice.
And yet, we mustn’t forget …
Most of us will never truly understand the sacrifice made. We will never be able to grasp the terror or even imagine the threat. And that’s precisely why they do what they do. They often miss out on the everyday joys of life, so we might enjoy them. They give their lives, so we might be free to live.
Let’s take the time to remember. But let’s not stop there. Let’s continue this honor by living lives worthy of their sacrifice.
And to our veterans – for giving us this opportunity – for the courage to stand guard for our freedom …
