"Will You Remember Me?"

Will you remember me?

We all long to be remembered for something.
And we will be....

On this Memorial Day weekend. I remember those who have sacrificed their lives. Without them, I would probably be speaking a different language. 
I would not be an American.
But, who would I be?

I remember my father.
He fought as a Marine in the Second World War...

Many of his friends perished at his side, on sandy beaches drenched in blood.  
Who could, they have been?

My father, lived with a seared pain etched in his memory of 
Iwo Jima, Saipan and other island nightmares.
He went on to marry and father nine children, I was the last of nine.

When I remember him, 
I also remember those who died at his side...
and I remember the men and women who were half a world away, gasping for their last breath of life.

They literally gave everything, so I might have a freedom I have not earned. The very least I can offer is an ever grateful heart.

I sit here weekly and share uncensored words of hope, and I share without fear of persecution. 
So many do not share in this American dream...
So many long to live in the freedom, that we awaken to daily.
In fact, several of my readers hail from many places across this world, that harbor great resentment toward those who long to be free.

Who are you?...that read these words.??

Who were they?...that died to allow us personal freedom?

Who am I?...that prays beyond hope that God might use my words to effect change in the world.

My name is Sally...and I'm an American,...

but just like you....
I cry tears, when my heart breaks..
and just like you...
I laugh at life and smile at fond memories. 
and just like you...
I hope for a better future for our children, 
and finally just like you 
I pause in solemn reflection at the loss of those who once loved, though we knew them not.

Can we really be so different??
When we are so much alike? 

The men and women who fell at my father's side, beg us to answer this question..

When it's time to remember, will you remember me? 

I am not a nameless, faceless person who died without just cause..
I am a person who could have been all that you are.......
but instead...
gave my all...
so that you could be..
all that you were meant to be.

On this Memorial day, 
remember...
remember...
remember...

 
and be ever grateful...

John 15:13
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends."



(photo sources of photo 2 and 3 :unknown)