You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your Freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.
Galatians 5:13 NIV
https://galatians.bible/galatians-5-13
Today, as I reflect on our 250th Anniversary, I think about the Men and Women who laid down their lives for our Freedom. I am humbled by the great sacrifice they made for us, even for those who live on and suffer from the effects of the battlefield, and continue to carry the burdens of those they left behind.
For some, the war continues in their minds, and they suffer silently and alone; this shouldn’t be the case, but it’s their reality, and they should be respected and acknowledged for their sacrifice and service.
I acknowledge Mr. Ramon G. Gutierrez, Marine, Army Ranger (Operation Just Cause-Panama, Operation Iraqi Freedom-Al Hilla, Iraq, Operation Enduring Freedom-Afghanistan), pictured below, a retired service member who continues to serve on many fronts.
I acknowledge my brother-in-law, Greg Herbert (Green Baret)
I acknowledge my uncle Jesus Ybarra (WWII), Joe Sr. Delgado (WWII)
My Uncle Amando Mercado, Army Airborne (Korean War, Pork Chop Hill)
I acknowledge Joe Henry Valenjuela (three tours in Vietnam); Joe Peralta (Vietnam); Jesse Delgado (Vietnam); my dear friend, Cecil Valle (Vietnam); and Charles Burns (Vietnam).
I don’t believe we should say, “They were heroes.”
“They Are Heroes,”
They are the reason we celebrate our freedoms. They will always be our Heroes and should be Honored, Always, and in every way possible.
Thank you may not seem enough, but to all our Service Men and Women, we should humbly honor them with Respect and Support.
The land of the free is soaked with blood.
Our Freedom cost someone else something; it is NOT FREE; it costs them more than we can repay.
To show our appreciation, Day’s Journey supports the Wounded Warrior Project.
