I can’t imagine the courage that it takes someone to sign the paperwork to join our armed services. I can’t imagine the perseverance it takes to survive boot camp with its rigors and demands. I can’t imagine living away from home with strangers in less than comfortable conditions. I can’t imagine the strength it takes to accept an assignment to a foreign country. And as for enduring military action, you know the expression, “I can’t even . . . “

From the perspective of this seasoned, all-American woman, “How could you do it?”

You knew how precious is the freedom, unknown to women in Sudan, to walk down the streets unaccompanied, to be educated, to have a choice in who they want to marry.

You knew how in China, pregnant women are forced to abort their unborn children to comply with laws on family size.

You knew that in Central America people mysteriously disappear if they disagree with their government.

You knew of the places in the world where people are still tortured and murdered because they refuse to deny their faith in Jesus Christ.

American Veterans, you did it for me . . .

How can I express my profound gratitude to the generations of men and women that have served?

I can humbly offer a prayer.

“Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friend.” – John 15:13

Patti