May 29, 2023

On a trip to Washington D.C., I took this picture shortly after a wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery. 

In the midst of a quiet time, the picture struck me as a unique visual accompaniment to my reflections on the sacrifice that so many made on our behalf to ensure the freedom that we tend to take for granted as a natural right.

My reflections also led me to a quote by General George S. Patton: “It is foolish and wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather we should thank God such men lived.”

How much more should these sacrifices remind us of the gift that God provides to all who are willing to recognize Jesus’ willingness to give up His life for us and the opportunity that we have to accept His invitation to enjoy true freedom and eternal life with Him?