Friday, July 4, 2008

It's Our Independence Day!

"Freedom is Not Free". No truer words were ever spoken. Here in America, an alarming number of us think freedom is something we're born with, not something we fight to have and to hold. For those Americans, I'm here to tell you...you're wrong. See this fine young man in the picture below? The one holding his infant daughter? Look at him closely...
That's the face of a man who is mere days away from heading back into the fray of the War on Terror. It's the face of a man who is leaving his wife and child and going back to a region of the world where bullets fly, bombs explode, missiles are launched. It's the face of a man who stands up for you and me and everyone else in the world who craves freedom. It's the face of a man who does what has to be done because it's the right thing to do. It's the face of a man who has volunteered to go back into the hotspots of this war, not because he is a warmonger, but because the battle still rages and his job is to help win it. For us. For you and for me. It's the face of my son. I'm proud of my son. I'm proud of the job he does, just as I'm proud of all the other men and women who are fighting for our freedom and for the freedom of other human beings on this planet. Those military men and women all have this one thing in common; they're willing to sacrifice their comforts, their joys and their well-being to pay for our freedom. Thank you. Thank you, Nick, and thank you to all the others who have done, are doing and will do this. As an American, I appreciate what you do. As a mom, my heart aches with fear and pride and worry and wonder because you're my baby and I want you safe at home. Everytime you head into harms way, Nick, I realize anew the truth of that saying; freedom really is not free -
If you'd like, you can leave messages for Nick and for his wife, Jodie, at her blog. Click here.. They're currently stationed in Okinawa, so while Nick's deployed, Jodie will be there alone - away from family - with little Kara. As a military spouse, she's paying a price for our freedom, too.
Happy Independence Day everyone. While you're out celebrating (and I hope you are!), take some time to remember and thank all of those who are paying for our freedom.

21 comments:

  1. Great reminder. We are so blessed to have others sacrificing for our safety and owe them many prayers for safety and much gratitude.

    Happy fourth.

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  2. May God bless your son, Nick, and all of the men and women in uniform who fight for our freedom. Their sacrifices and courage is what this great Nation is all about.

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  3. Very lovely reminder of how we owe a debt of gratitude to the young men and women serving our country.
    Thanks Nick!

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  4. Hey, kari, Happy 4th to you & your family. I think your son is a real hero & I know you're proud!

    Rhoda

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  5. just that quioct the comment I wanted to make skipped out of my head.Oh well Happy holiday.and Prayers for those who wear a uniform and are away from their family defending freedom.

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  6. What a great tribute to your son. God bless him and the others in uniform defending our freedom.

    This morning when Dom and I were having coffee in McDonald's, one of the employees came over to our table. She wanted to thank us for this country. She came here a few years ago and is thrilled to be here and have the freedoms that we all enjoy. And people like your son make it all possible.

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  7. Kari, thanks for the wonderful post. I'll be keeping your son and his family (including YOU) in my prayers.

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  8. It is good to remember that we are still in the thick of it and that good men and women are sacrificing every day as well as their families. I understand the toll that it takes.

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  9. Kari,Im right with you honey. Rian got to his final destination yesterday,but I wasn't allowed to know.This has been a very hard week.He called the other morning at 5:30 and said he was on the ground and was burning up. I just celebrated he made it there with no problems.One day at a time is all I can do.
    Thanks for your son Nick and I always think of their family.

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  10. Kari,
    Thanks for the beautiful post. Your son, others like him and their families are the true heroes in our world...the heroes we should honor and never forget what they give to our country...a country that is great, free, and flourishing b/c of them...soldiers from the past, present and future. God Bless and watch over him, as well as his lovely wife Jodie, precious baby Kara...and of course his loving mom and family. You all will be held in my heart and daily prayers...

    Love to you...and many blessings...
    Teresa

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  11. What a beautiful post Kari. Love and thanks to your son and his family.

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  12. Such a wonderful tribute to your son and all the others who don a uniform to protect us. God Bless!

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  13. God bless your son and all the others that go off to those frightening far away places to try to make some kind of difference.

    tea
    xo

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  14. Kari,

    This is a wonderful 4th of July message. A BIG thank you to your Nick for serving our country and us. Great post!

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  15. Bless your hearts...many prayers being sent to the whole family for your sons safety....hughugs

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  16. A beautiful post Sissy...you know how proud we are of Nick and yes, Jodie as well, for they also serve who only wait...
    love
    Aunt Sandi

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  17. That made me cry but it was well deserved. I will always remember that freedom isn't free, that it is paid for by the blood of people who love this country even more than I do, who would lay their very lives down to protect the freedoms we have. Thank you for your vivid post. Much love to you.

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  18. Im very proud of our Service men and women... and THANK YOU to your son! Because of him we an sleep peacefully at night.

    Its been a while.. miss Autumn Faith just isnt a happy camper lately. Hope this finds you well. I miss my blogging friends!

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  19. AMEN! What a great post. My daughter is also a Military wife.

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  20. You know that Nick ands his family will all be in our prayers and hearts. Bless him and all of you who love him.
    He is one of my heroes!

    Love to you sweet Kari,
    Sue

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