| Many Americans have close relatives or ancestors who served in the US military. Today is America's Solemn Holiday. Today we honor our war dead with a day of mourning.
In my family, Dad served as a Navy Seabee on Okinawa during World War II. At the same time, my uncle Clarence was an Army Ranger fighting for the liberation of Europe. Clarence was wounded in 1943, went to England to recover, and a day after he returned to the front lines, was killed in the Battle of the Bulge.
The Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks movie Saving Private Ryan caused a profound and lasting impact for many viewers. At movie's end came encouragement from a mortally-wounded Army Captain to a young Private Ryan whose life was saved so he could return to America. His enduring words were, "Earn this."
Since 1775, more than 600,000 fallen troops made the ultimate sacrifice - their lives - in defense of America's freedom. Today we appreciate - and honor - their sacrifice that we might enjoy freedom. Savor their gift of freedom to you. It came at a dear cost.
|
