Freedom

Memorial Day is a Federal Holiday in the United States for mourning the U.S. Military personnel who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces.  It was first widely observed on May 30, 1868.  We mourn those Soldiers identified, and those who could not be identified.  Their sacrifice paid for our freedom.

My husband and my son both retired from serving in the Air Force.  My father-in-law retired from the Marines, serving in Vietnam for three years, one brother-in-law retired from the Army, and the other, served in the Marines.  

About four years ago, I decided to speak with my oldest living relatives about other members in our family who have served our Country.  I was honored to trace back at least 25 families who have served our Nation.  Men and Women who served in each one of our Armed Forces.  They served in the Civil War, WW2, they stormed Omaha Beach at Normandy, Vietnam, Desert Fox, the Gulf War and Iraq.  Some were drafted, recruited, and some volunteered.  My roots trace back to John Adams, John Quincy Adams and General George R. Crook. 

My Military Family Tree has many Branches, and I am proud of my Military Heritage.

Jesus Christ made a sacrifice too. 

He broke the shackles of sin and paid a debt we could not pay ourselves.

And He volunteered.

"No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself.  I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again."  Jesus speaking in John 10:18

Jesus Christ gave His life for me, so that my Soul would be free and one day, I will live with Him throughout eternity.

Freedom is costly.

And with freedom comes responsibility.

God help us remember that cost.

I am proud of my Christian Heritage.

    But that's just me!

Funny story:

Jesse Wright Adams was my Maternal Grandmother's Grandfather.  He fought in the Civil war.

He was a Rebel, always wore a full beard and a mustache and he hated the color blue.  He was forced to shave while he served.  Upon his death, he was originally dressed in his uniform, but his wife demanded that it was to be removed and had him redressed in a gray suit.  😄