Freedom's hopes often serve up distorted expectations about the costs of war and peace.
I recently visited Charleston, SC, whose Revolutionary War citizens anticipated a quick colonial victory against British naval forces along their coast. They almost pick-nicked, awaiting the outcome in mere hours.
Events crushed predictions as the British siege of Charleston continued for more than 600 harrowing days and nights.
Histories of every battle of every American war at home or afar include accounts of shocking hours fighting or plodding into days, months, and years. Losses and gains, failures and victories, surrender and endurance, survival and death swing as pendulums of history-in-the-making through anguish, bravery, fear, and blood.
In every generation of every race and region across America, one large free nation remembers and honors those who have defended America in the face of aggression and terror.
Fighters, medical corps, supply staff, chaplains, coast guard, and other units have died in service pledged for America, their home. Some who were embedded with them have shared the same result and cost.
Whatever their personal needs or motivations, these joined in the common cause of freedom. As part of their vowed duty, they knew the possibility of death accompanied them.
Freedom inherently exerts costs we wish no one should have to pay. Yet through the years those costs have been required; they have been paid by a few on behalf of multitudes.
Grateful for their ultimate sacrifice for us, on this Memorial Day we honor them, thanking God for their lives and service for our freedom.
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