Freedom Isn't Always Free

READY… “We have enjoyed so much freedom for so long that we are perhaps in danger of forgetting how much blood it cost to establish the Bill of Rights.”  ~Felix Frankfurter

AIM… In celebration and respect of Independence Day for the United States of America, I’ve been thinking about how we, as Americans, pay homage to our freedom.  Yep, you guessed it…barbeque and fireworks!  Nothing says thank you for our freedom like baked beans, grilled burgers and the vibrant sight of sparklers at dusk.  Now you know I’m being a little sarcastic here.  However, I had you thinking for a moment, didn’t I?  I would venture to guess the majority of us never served in the military so we cannot possibly appreciate giving up our personal freedoms to serve and fight for everyone else’s.  There’s no way we could ever really know what it’s like to stand guard on a sandy desert in 100+ degree heat or to wade through murky jungle swamps or to help millions of victims from a terrorist attack.  No, for most of us, those scenarios are simply scenes from action movies and television dramas made for us ordinary folks who love and enjoy our freedom to live life the way we want to live.  And so, to each and every one of our American heroes who have served in any way to protect and retain the freedoms we love and take for granted, I salute you.  Thank you seems so insignificant in comparison to your ultimate sacrifice.  However, for now, at least some of us are able to recognize and acknowledge your extreme loyalty and fierce commitment to a cause much larger than yourself.  So this Fourth of July, raise those hot dogs, watermelon slices and ice cold beers in a toast to the men and women who have fought to keep our country free so we can celebrate year after year with a day off work to picnic with friends and family and to be grateful for the other 364 days when we can do most anything we want with our lives.  God Bless the USA and all the fighting men and women who serve our country! 

FIRE!   Happy 4^th of July!  If you know someone who is serving in the US military, please take a moment to send him or her an email, Facebook message or a card acknowledging the extreme gratitude you have for your freedom.  Chances are he isn’t enjoying a lip-smacking BBQ rib; he is probably suited up, awaiting orders from the commanding officer.

Be Excellent!

Lori