When Sgt. 1st Class Alwyn Cashe’s Bradley Fighting Vehicle detonated a roadside bomb in Northern Iraq setting it ablaze, he rushed without hesitation to save his men. Fighting through the flames he, one by one, rescued all of his trapped soldiers and an Iraqi national who was an interpreter, from the burning vehicle. Flames burned nearly three-quarters of Cashe’s body during the rescue, but he refused to stop until everyone had been saved. Three weeks later Cashe would succumb to his wounds and die. He was posthumously awarded the Congressional Medal Of Honor for his actions.
Memorial Day is not just a day off from work to host the first cookout of the summer, it is a day set aside for the people of our country to honor the memory of those who have fought and given their lives for the freedom we enjoy. In combat, 291,557 died in WWII, 33,739 in Korea, 47,434 in Vietnam, 1,910 in Afghanistan and 3,519 in Iraq… not to mention many other conflicts and firefights. The price of freedom is often high.
I will never forget walking along the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington DC and seeing all of the names of those who gave their lives in that war. It was moving and humbling. I am grateful for those who are willing to stand before enemies in defense of ideals and for those who have paid the ultimate price so that my family is safe.
Tomorrow, remember that many lives have been sacrificed so that you can know freedom in our country. I’m not saying the cookout is a bad idea… indeed… the sacrifice of many has provided for the lifestyle that we enjoy in America. But during the time with family and friends, take some time to reflect on the price that has been paid so that you can enjoy the life that you do. May God protect those who stand in harm’s way today, so that we can know freedom.
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