Two powerful military jets ripped through the atmosphere, as hundreds of people, who had gathered for the annual parade down main street, stared wide-eyed toward the sky. It was the beginning of the 4th of July celebration - 2009- Anywhere, U.S.A.
Leading the procession were men and women who serve and have served the country- working, fighting, willing to give their life for mine and yours. Their bravery, their diligence and their sacrifices keep us free!
Too frail to walk, veterans in their 80's and 90's rode by in an air conditioned coach and waved through the windows. We waved back wildly and clapped our hands high in the air so they could see. They earned the comfort. I owe the respect. It's my privilege to show lavish high regard, even if the only way to do it is wave, smile and clap. Tears caught in my throat, as appreciation welled up in my heart for these hometown heroes. I do not know their names.
But I know my own father, who served in Korea. I know the kid I graduated with, Roger, who served 27 years in the Navy. I know Cavan, who leaves in one week for San Diego- basic training for the U.S. Marine Corp. We all know someone who is giving up, or gave, something of himself, or herself, that we may live in freedom.
Thank you! Thank you U.S. service men and women, who are serving now,who have served in years gone by.
I echo the words of others I've already read today, that call us to remember the One who gave His very life that we may live- free from the bondage of sin now and eternally with Him- one day. May we all meet again, because of this- His great love for us!
Happy Independence Day, hope it's full of firecrackers!
Heidi
4 comments:
awesome post...may we ALL lavish each and everyone who has, is or will serve
:)
You and I really do think alike.
You've seen those little acorns that are connected together like little twins? Was it mom or dad that was the oak? I'm thinking dad. My mom was the nut.
Happy 4th!
Great post. The most moving part of the parade near here--the 10 minutes of soldiers from the nearby military post marching by. Awe inspiring!
great post, heidi!
we went to holland's fireworks, which were the 3rd. they were really really good. so we were home the night of the 4th doing sparklers in the driveway, and lo and behold, we saw fireworks from afar-- grandville's, we figure. only saw the high ones, though. then we went to the deck and discovered, to our amazement, that we could see grand rapids' fireworks-- like, almost all of them, from the looks of it. from our deck 12 miles away (as the crow flies)! who'da thought?
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