What They Died For
Though we acknowledge it on the last Monday in May, Memorial Day in America is May 30. In 2025 it falls on a Friday. All of us should take a moment to truly reflect on the life and sacrifice all our fighting men and women gave for this country.
This came to mind as I rode a bus in Seattle, Washington last week. We drove past a cemetery where people had placed miniature American flags on the gravesites of veterans. Whether they had served during war I do not know. Whether those who fought in a war did so to truly protect America or for others political gain or profit I do not know.
But seeing these flags made me think.
For what did our fighting men and women die?
They died for all of us to have freedom but not entitlement.
They died for us to be united, not divided.
They died for our right to vote.
They died so that we could have freedom of choice.
They died so we could have the right to speak truth. God’s truth.
They died for all to have the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter.
They died for all to be able to get a good education and good health care.
They died for all to have the chance of making a better life for our families.
They died so that those who wanted to make a fresh start in America could.
They died so that we could aspire to be whatever we want if given the talent and opportunity.
They died so we could enjoy simple pleasures like a walk in the park, ice cream, ballgames, and family gatherings.
They died in hopes that we will honor them by helping those in need.
They died for us to be able to choose whatever denomination of the church we want.
They died so that we could live wherever we want.
They died so that we could have safe neighborhoods and towns.
They died so that the small business owner could have as much of a chance to make it as the big-time corporation.
They died so that we could have clean water to drink, clean air to breath, and every valuable resource readily available.
They died in hopes that we would honor them by doing the right thing all the time.
They did not die for a flag; they died for their brothers and sisters.
Because of their ultimate sacrifice we in America have a chance to reach our full potential.
The chance to truly become one nation, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.