"Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice." — Barack Obama

As I constructed this collage, I looked at several war photos, which was a somber, poignant experience, especially as I looked into the faces of those who were called to serve our country throughout history. It was very meaningful, while overwhelming to consider the  magnitude of the human cost of war. Since I have never been a soldier, I can't say I have even a hint of the horrors of war but I can imagine. Yet, amid the pain and suffering in these pictures, I witnessed the ever present beauty of the human spirit shining through even in the darkest of moments. 

"Each of the patriots whom we remember on this day was first a beloved son or daughter, a brother or sister, or a spouse, friend, and neighbor." — George H. W. Bush

I was 13 when my brother Philip left home left for Vietnam, I was tearful and in a state of surreal disbelief. I remember watching the nightly news and the war footage on TV as those images imprinted within my psyche.

I remember when my father was at the end of his life, he endured a terrifying flash back from WWII. As he relived what was happening, I caught a glimpse of him as a young soldier in fear of being captured or killed by the enemy. As we tried to reorient him he kept shushing us to keep us all safe.

It is so painfully difficult for the families whose sons or daughters do not come home.  Perhaps, no less difficult are the challenges that soldiers face when they do return. Most rarely ever talk about their experiences and silently live with the memories and emotional scars.  Those who are seriously injured must endure permanent disabilities or a long road to rehabilitation.

"Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty." — John F. Kennedy 

Lately, I've been reflecting upon the loyalty soldiers have to their fellow comrades and how they will risk life and limb to be there for each other. It is profound to think of a love like that, to lay down one's life for the sake of another in such a Christ like way.

"The price of freedom is eternal vigilance.” — Thomas Jefferson

We know we cannot take our freedom for granted. We each have a responsibility to be aware and to avoid the complacency that someone else will solve the problems in our communities, country, our world. As Margaret Wheatley has said, change happens when people begin talking about what matters. Every generation has a turn to stand up for what is right and to make a difference.

"Now it's our turn, for we are the ones we have been waiting for." —Hopi Elders

At 3:00 pm on Memorial Day, I hope you will join with your friends, family and others from around the country to pause for a moment of silence to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. 

Liz Sorensen Wessel

 Internet Photos: https://www.bing.com/images/search?q=world+war+2+photos&qpvt=world+war+2+photos&FORM=IGR