Memorial Day

A reflection on those who die in war for the rest of us.

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It should be so simple.

They died to set us free.

Period.

But is freedom so simple?

Freedom is not just being able to say “no,”

Freedom is saying “no” to power.

Freedom is not just the liberty of religious expression,

Freedom is saying in heaven’s name, “hell no.”

Freedom is not just saying to history, “no more.”

Freedom is any person saying, “me too”

over and over until the voice is heard

even if it is a voice of the “other”

even if it is the voices of youth

even if it is just a few voices

even if a single voice cries out!

especially if it is the voice of someone whose words makes your stomach turn.

Freedom is a dream we have built a nation on

the foundation, the very foundation, of a way of life

we mostly take for granted ... until we can’t.

What must be remembered on this day of remembrance,

this day of memory,

this Memorial Day:

Freedom is not simple.

Freedom is costly.

The cost of freedom is for some the “full measure”

so that for the rest of us

it is the fulfillment of a dream

and something we can even take for granted.

I learned this from one who served, but who did not have to die in that service,

who was witnessing a protest involving the National Anthem

and was asked what his friend,

a veteran who had died in combat

would have thought of the protestors.

In a hoarse whisper

he responded

as if to no one in particular

but to everyone who might hear his voice...

That’s what he died for…

By Russell Willis

From: United States

Website: https://REWillisWrites.com

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