News Opinion Sports Videos Community Schools Churches Announcements Obituaries Events Search/Archive Community Schools Churches Announcements Obituaries Calendar Contact Us Advertisements Search/Archive Public Notices

Use this gift wisely

Ken Leinart’s Into the Light

I had a discussion with a co-worker about Memorial Day many years ago.

We had a difference of opinion on the importance of the day.

I listened, but I didn’t really say much of anything to rebuke his “concept” of how the day should be spent on reflection of the enormous costs paid for the liberties and freedoms we have in this country.

Our country.

So, short and sweet, I’ll say only this: Memorial Day is a time to thank and remember those for securing the gift of living in a free society — a society that allows each and every one of us the opportunity to make a difference.

If we so choose to do so.

And the “Thank yous” are not just for those who took up arms to secure this gift — it’s also for the families who endeared the hardships of having a loved one serve and, sadly, give the ultimate sacrifice.

We can say, “Thank you,” and feel good; feel right.

We can be moved by the stories that come from those who have secured our freedoms and can weep and feel proud that this country — our country — produced such fine and truly herioc people.

And we should do all of that.

But if we truly want to thank those who have secured our gifts of freedoms, we need to use those freedoms wisely and with a certain understanding of the price paid.