They Gave Their All

This is the day set aside to honor the memory of those who gave their lives to protect the freedoms that we enjoy in the United States of America and all those who have served.  Started in WWI, this day is "celebrated" by parades and a day off from school (it used to also be a day off work for most Americans, but along with President Washington's birthday & President Lincoln's birthday, Columbus Day, & for many even Memorial Day, it has become an ordinary work day).

 But the real purpose is to recognize those who "give their all" for their country.  And those who serve in the military give far more than most of us realize.  They "give" time with their families, especially when they are deployed.  And these families "give" up their loved one for months at a time.  They "give" weekends & vacation days (where do they "go" on a day off when they are in a dangerous area or in the midst of battle?!)  Even when they have a vacation planned on leave time, if "something comes up" they have to relinquish their plans.  So they "give" their "rights" to their own plans.

On this day, may we all give thanks to God for these courageous military personnel & their families, for their sacrifices that protect our freedoms, & pray that they will be drawn to Christ wherever they are!