Memorial Day has, over the years, become increasingly important to me. The older I get the more I realize the cost of freedom. When freedom is taken away by terror it becomes even more precious. The price of our freedom has been spilled on acres upon acres of foreign soil.

My heritage doesn’t include anyone who paid the ultimate price for America. I am thankful for that. But it doesn’t mean that I appreciate any less those who have given me my freedom.

But this Memorial Day will be different for me. I now know someone who has sacrificed his life for me and my country. He was the friend of our two children. When he was in high school he came to our home numerous times. He was happy, friendly, gregarious, energetic, and passionate. The passion that he had for life translated to his love for country.

So he became a Green Beret and a medic. He always wanted to help and serve. That’s what he did for a living as he served the people of the United States on a mission in Afghanistan. On August 23rd, 2016, this young man was killed in action. A roadside bomb took his life.

Because of him and those like him we have the freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the freedom to bear arms, and the ability to freely elect our leaders. These are gifts that should never ever be taken for granted. They are paid for with the price of blood.

I hope and pray that my children and grandchildren will never have to pay this price. But I am hopeful that they will always know, enjoy, and appreciate the freedom that has been won for us. Freedom is far too expensive to ever take for granted.

Have a blessed Memorial Day.

And please, please remember as you celebrate this holiday in your own way, that America as you know it was bought on the backs of selfless citizens.