The Cost of Freedom

Happy Independence Day, friends!

I LOVE this holiday where we take time to recognize this nation’s freedom and the cost to get here.

While I was in Israel I noticed a plethora of IDF soldiers roaming around. They are everywhere!

In Israel, everyone must serve a minimum of two years in the military. Young soldiers could be seen all around.

Seeing the surplus of military soldiers made me realize how rarely I see the American military. I think I saw a man in uniform at a McDonald’s several years ago. It probably has most to do with where I live.

My point is that it is not something I have to think about.

There are thousands of people fighting on my behalf so I may have that luxury.

I am not worrying about the next rocket strike or when I might be called to service.

The other night we had company come over for dinner, filled with catching up and belly laughs. The evening developed into a very enlightening conversation as one of our dinner guests is a Vietnam veteran. He so bravely served our country across seas and was even exposed to agent orange which is known to have long-time effects.

What an honor it is to be able to talk to these heroes.

With tears, he told about a man he knew from the war who has PTSD so bad he does not leave his house. As soon as he is surrounded by several people he begins to panic with the fear they are out to get him so he keeps to himself.

This is a man who fought for freedom and does not get to live in freedom.

No, this man sacrificed his own freedom for the sake of his country.

Freedom has a cost.

May we never forget that. I hope always to remember the privileges I have as an American.

This is one of countless stories. We will never fully understand the cost.

Let us not take this for granted- to be the Land of the Free and Home of the Brave.

With that being said, thank you to each person who has served our country! Thank you to their families for their sacrifice as well!

Have a happy Fourth of July!