Freedom Is Not Free!

From the Bombardier family to every man and women in uniform, both active duty and veterans, who have answered the call and given up so much for our freedom, we thank you! Your dedication, courage and heroism does not go unnoticed. May God bless you and keep you safe. May God bless America!

To the many Mamas that I know who have seen their precious sons and daughters, turn from young men and women into courageous and proud soldiers, marines, airmen and sailors, I salute you! You carry them in your hearts while they protect our country, with dignity and grace. May God's peace fill you and may your children be held in the palm of His hand until they are returned safely into your arms.

To my own wonderful husband, who proudly served our country! Thank you for being a shining example to your children of what a true Patriot is. We love you!

FREEDOM IS NOT FREE

I watched the flag pass by one day.
It fluttered in the breeze
A young Marine saluted it, and then
He stood at ease.

I looked at him in uniform
So young, so tall, so proud
With hair cut square and eyes alert
He'd stand out in any crowd.

I thought, how many men like him
Had fallen through the years?
How many died on foreign soil?
How many mothers' tears?

How many Pilots' planes shot down?
How many foxholes were soldiers' graves?
No, Freedom is not free.

I heard the sound of taps one night,
When everything was still.
I listened to the bugler play
And felt a sudden chill.

I wondered just how many times
That taps had meant "Amen"
When a flag had draped a coffin
of a brother or a friend.

I thought of all the children,
Of the mothers and the wives,
Of fathers, sons and husbands
With interrupted lives.

I thought about a graveyard
at the bottom of the sea
Of unmarked graves in Arlington.
No, Freedom isn't free!!


- Kelly Strong