Guardians of Freedom

I am a Christian. I am so thankful for the freedom I have in Christ. I am also a patriot and deeply thankful for those who willingly fight for and guard my freedom as an American. It angers me to my core when I hear people speaking out against our troops. I personally have had several family members who have fought and some died for the freedoms that we have enjoyed in America. None of them were drafted, they signed up to go. My uncle Walton S. Leveridge fought in the Philippines during World War II. My uncles Vernie, Karol, and Elmo Abla fought in World War II. Elmo was killed by a German sniper near the end of the war. My Grandfather, R.G. Leveridge joined the War as soon as he was old enough to go. He fought in Patton's Third Army and was there for the invasion of Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He also helped to liberate the prisoners in Buchenwald Concentration Camp. My uncle William Clyde Bowen fought in the Korean War and uncle Larry Bowen in Vietnam. I am proud to have these men as a part of my heritage. I honor their memory and I am eternally grateful for the sacrifices they made for my freedom.
I know there are many stories about the sacrifices people have made for our freedoms. It causes me to appreciate my freedom even more when I hear of them. I heard of one such story this past week. I don't know all the details, I don't even remember his name, but I do know that an American soldier willingly gave his life in order to save the lives of his fellow comrades. When faced with adversaries he chose to step in front of enemy fire and give the ultimate sacrifice. I'm sure that it is a sacrifice the rest of the men will never forget; for this was the day, their friend and comrade gave his life so that they could live. You know what I think is interesting? No one made him do it. Not the president, not a politician, not his officers, not his mom or dad, not his friends...HE CHOSE TO DO IT. Wow! It is a sobering thought. We should honor his memory and thank God for men who are willing to make sacrifices for our freedom.
These men are the Guardians of Freedom. They gave it all and had no regrets. So I ask you, "What have you done today for freedom? What sacrifices have you made today for America? Do your words and actions bring honor to your country or do they rip the very fabric from which this country was made?" If you have or currently are serving in the military..."Thank you for your sacrifice."