Many people make sacrifices.

Those of you who are parents know all too well what it means to sacrifice.  As soon as a baby enters the world, it becomes second nature to a parent to give up anything and everything. Without thought and without hesitation, you readily and willingly give up sleep, hot meals, date-nights, even bathing for your child. You give up exercise, hobbies, careers, and even spiritual time—all for the sake of your child. In fact, most parents would even sacrifice their own life for their child.

As a parent, your daily sacrifices deserve recognition and praise. To those who love you, your sacrifices matter and make a lasting difference.  But take a minute to consider something even more profound than the sacrifices that come with parenthood. For just a minute, seriously think about the sacrifices made by America’s service men and women.

I can say first hand that I sacrifice my time and personal needs for those I love. But my sacrifices are just that—for those I love. I cannot fathom sacrificing my time, sleep, hot meals, date-nights, and even bathing for a stranger.  I cannot imagine giving up exercise, hobbies, vacations, birthdays, holidays, and spiritual time for a stranger. 

And it stops me in my tracks when I consider sacrificing my life for a stranger. But there are those who do and they do it everyday. What’s more, they do it without thought and without hesitation.

Their actions define sacrifice.

No words can adequately express how blessed we are as a country to have men and women of such courage and such character walking among us. 

To those who have served, to those who do serve, and to those who will serve, “Thank you and God bless you.”