FREEDOM'S COST

I am so thankful for the United States of America military.  They (and their families) have sacrificed much to secure the freedoms I enjoy today.  They have endured many sleepless nights, much physical pain, the life-threatening action of violence, emotional scars, relational wounds, and that is only the beginning...and it was all to secure the...
freedom I personally enjoy today. 

I fear my generation, and the generations that have followed me, do not fully grasp, nor appreciate freedom's cost.  I fear too many give little notion to the immense freedom they enjoy -- but they merely take them for granted. 

          1. Veterans and Active Duty Military deserve our respect.

          2. Veterans and Active Duty Military deserve our gratitude & appreciation.

          3. Veterans and Active Duty Military deserve our support.

          4. Veterans and Active Duty Military deserve never to be forgotten.

At the end of April, I attended the return of an "Honor Flight" to the local airport.  Multitudes of veterans exited that plane to find hundreds of people packing out the small town airport in central Wisconsin...just to welcome them home.  There was lots of flag waving, cheering, and applause from my fellow Americans.  I took several pictures and videos to document the occasion...for me and my wife, as well as for my children.  I want my children to know and never forget the sacrifices these men and women have made on THEIR behalf.  I want my children to learn that these veterans deserve their respect, gratitude, appreciation, and support.

It was so crowded, that when I raised my arms above the crowd to take a picture, I could hardly bring my arms back down to my sides without bumping into other grateful Americans.  We were all pressing into the small area just to shake the hand of these veterans and thank them for serving.  It was moving...I hope my children never forget...I hope I never forget.

 

Here are some pictures of the event:

 

 

 

 

Mark is getting ready to wave his sign!

Some of the kids from our church shaking the hands of the veterans and thanking them

Yes, sir -- that's crowded!!

One of our church members (Jim Baker, on the right) served as a volunteer guardian.  He escorted this man throughout the entire Honor Flight trip.  What a blessing it was to shake their hands and show our appreciation!

 

Some of the kids were asking veterans for their autographs.

 

 

God Bless America!