Memorial Day...Thank you for our freedom!

Flags at Half Mast

Color Guard

Today is a special day for our country where we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for the rest of us to live free.

We all owe a debt of gratitude to our military that can not be fully repaid.

Maybe one of the best ways in trying to do so is teaching our children and grandchildren the meaning of freedom.  To that end I wanted to pass along something I came across recently while reading a book with my daughter.  It's from the "The Trumpet of the Swan" by E.B. White.

After Louis the swan's many adventures, the zoo keeper aka "The Head Man" is trying to convince Louis that he and his beloved Serena should stay at the zoo to live out their days in peace and security...

"If you and Serena stay here, you'll be safe.  You'll have no enemies.  You'll have no worries about your children.  No fox, no otter, no coyote will ever attack you with intent to kill.  You'll never go hungry.  You'll never get shot.  You'll never die of lead poisoning from eating the shotgun pellets that are on the bottom of all natural lakes and ponds.  Your cygnets will be hatched each spring and will live a long life in perfect ease and comfort.  What more can a young cob ask?"

"Freedom", replied Louis on his slate.  "Safety is all well and good: I prefer freedom."

To those men and women who protect our country, who are willing to make the sacrifices necessary...

Thank you for our freedom!

Taps

(Pictures from Memorial Day service in Cornelius, NC)