June 6th 1944. D-Day. A day to be remembered for all the lives lost in a battle for the freedom of many. It sets a reminder to those of us in the US that the price for freedom runs higher than any we ever expect to pay. And that the sons and daughters of US citizens pay that price willingly so that we may sit in comfort in a relatively safe environment, far away from the brutality. An estimated 4500 US soldiers died on this day alone. Approximately 9000 total. In one day.

We sit here and read about how badly the world is, but we forget that 9000 soldiers died in the water, in the sand, falling from cliffs, from gunfire, in the trenches, hand to hand, up close and from afar. We forget the many stories of how bravely our men and women fought so that the world could be safe again. How some, wounded and dying, not only fought for life and breath, but pushed forward and routed the enemy.

We forget how close the fighting became in the trenches and across the open ground. How it meant facing a hail of bullets, a volley of mortars, and the explosions of grenades.

Some sit in their safe, alarm-protected house amidst bodyguards armed with guns and preach that the US should quit this current war, that it is lost, that we should not be there, and that playing nice will win the day.

But they fail to affirm that the only reason that they can do these things is because 9000 soldiers, now dead and buried, gave their life willingly in a cause to keep the world free. Not to forget the thousands who served, fought, and did not die, either. No, they sit there in their crystalline bubble, protected from the evil, and cast aspersions upon those who stand and fight and those who solidly support the American ideal. All the while reaping the benefits from the current soldiers who willingly protect our homes, our families, and the world in which we live. They deny what our soldiers are accomplishing today, just as they deny remembering the previous soldier's accomplishments.

Freedom rang loudly and tragically when 4500 of our soldiers gave their all and a bit more for America and for the Republic for which she stands. We stand proudly behind those soldiers and the ones now serving. And it's from willpower alone that we hold back the tear in our eye every time we see the American flag waving on high for we realize what it takes to keep it there -- A supreme sacrifice for life and liberty. May the flag wave brilliantly in the sun, may America stand proudly for freedom throughout the day, and God bless all of our brave soldiers who stand between us and the dark of night.



For those who want to read about our Medal of Honor recipients, you can find it here:
http://www.army.mil/cmh-pg/Moh1.htm