Many Americans have the day off. They’re looking forward to barbecues and picnics, parades, and games. Pursuit of happiness is good, albeit the Republic’s survival would be better served were Liberty pursued as vigorously as comforts and pleasures.
One way to connect with personal purpose is to reflect on those who came before us and endured great hardships and sacrifices, to bequeath to us, their heirs, a system of principles and laws designed to “secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity.”
Here is who I will be remembering today, a man I never knew because his time came and was then cut short before I was born:
My Uncle Nick did not make it back from WWII. He was so young, with a life ahead of him that he would never know, and gave “the last full measure of devotion,” sacrificing life, love, and family. Think about that.
I cannot imagine the agony my grandparents had to endure over the loss of their beloved only son. Over 50 years later, a friend visited the Sicily-Rome American Cemetery where he was laid to rest and brought back a photograph of his gravesite which I gave to my mother. She still wept at the loss of her kid brother.
I’m sure everyone here has special memories to reflect on today. Let those solemn remembrances come with introspection and a prayer: May we be worthy.
My wife and I visited the battelefields of Monte Cassino, south of Rome, about 5 years ago. I particularly recall one memorial to a single US soldier, with his photo. It was an honor, just to stand there and pay respects.
May your uncle rest in peace.
May God keep him forever with Him.
May you accept my sincerest gratitude on his behalf.
May you continue to spread the knowledge of his sacrifice and those of his parents.
May we all NEVER FORGET!
REMEMBER THE FALLEN!