As it has every year before, my day always ends here. The
patterns that bring me here are the same, the day’s events unfolding in a
predictable way. It’s always a long day for me, a day where I am exercised
to my fullest extent, appreciated and recognized. Despite my many tasks on this
day it is definitive that while the sun creeps low on the horizon my feet will
find their way to these grassy fields.
The morning comes early for me as I silence the alarms and
begin the daily routine. I go with many to work, no different from any other
morning. Their pursuit of happiness, providing security and stability, thankful
they have the opportunity to do so. It’s always a slow day, this day. While they
work others are hard at play in their own pursuit.
Later in the day I go with them as well. I enjoy the BBQ
ribs and potato salad, the cold beer, warm sun, the time spent with family,
friends, and neighbors. I revel in the cool breeze and spray of the lake, the skiing
and swimming. Listening to the laughter and joy around me I am heartened to be
appreciated so.
As the day winds down, the coolers drained, boats docked,
embers ebb to ash in the grills; it is then that my feet begin to wander. They
take me out to rolling fields of green grass and purple dusky skies. I look around
and see husbands and wives, parents and children, all huddled together in their
small groups. I see men and women in
uniform being thanked by total strangers for their service. These same soldiers
offering solace and condolences to the huddled groups standing vigil, giving their
own private salute to the alabaster soldiers in ranks spanning the grassy
fields.
I watch these scenes unfold with mixed feelings of sympathy
and pride. These people, these families and soldiers understand the depth of my
price; they have lived it, fought for it, and many gave their lives for it. I
am Freedom; Freedom from tyranny and oppression, freedom to believe and praise
in your own way, freedom to pursue happiness, freedom to choose to do with as
you will. With every name etched into stone, every white stone cross marking a
hero of freedom, with every man and woman sworn to their country that still
fight, I am bought and paid for. They deserve respect and gratitude every day,
but this day we set aside to honor their service and their memory in recognition
of everything they set aside so that we may do so.
