Thank You is Not Enough... by RodS
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A few weeks before my father passed away, Crossroads Hospice arranged a wonderful "Thank You" celebration in honor of his 20 years of service in the U.S. Air Force.
The Chaplain read a piece that brought tears to everyone's eyes. Please allow me to share it with you:
"I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code Of Military Justice. So help me God."
These words compel us to remember the cost of bringing America this far, and also require us to admit that the price is not yet paid in full.
So we are here today to honor you, and acknowledge the debt we owe you and the millions of men and women who, because they so cherished peace, choose to live as warriors.
Could anything be more contradictory than the lives of America's armed forces?
They love America - so they spend time in foreign lands, far from her shores.
They love freedom - and they sacrifice their own so that we may be free.
They defend our right to live as individuals - yet they give up their individuality in that cause.
Perhaps most paradoxically of all, they value life - and so bravely ready themselves to die in the service of our country.
Since the Revolutionary War, more than 42 million men and women have served in the armed forces of the United States. More than 600,000 of those selfless, dauntless warriors have died in combat.
But why are we so seemingly willing to fight, and if need be, to die? The answer to that question is as simple, and as complex, as the soul of America itself.
We fight not because we believe war is good, but that sometimes it's necessary.
Our soldiers fight and die not for the glory of war, but for the prize of freedom.
The heart of America is freedom - freedom for ourselves, and for all nations willing to fight for it. Yes, the price is high. But freedom is a form of wealth that no debt can encumber.
So we gather here today and choose to remember the past because the payment for forgetfulness is so dear: duty, honor, country - and many times, injury and death. This debt, paid by heroic, gallant men and women, must never be forgotten. Only a foolish people would forget so expensive a lesson.
In today's world, freedom comes cloaked in uncertainty, and America continues to rely on her sons and daughters to defend our liberty. The cost of independence remains high, but we are willing to pay for it - not gladly, but with deep reverence, and deep gratitude, to those who have served in our armed forces.
We will not forget your sacrifice!
America is the Land of the Free precisely because it is, truly, the Home of the Brave.
Thank you, Veterans, thank you.
Please take a moment on Monday, and reflect on those who have sacrificed so much; and those who continue to do so. This extends to the veterans of ALL nations who cherish freedom. THANK YOU all. How woefully inadequate those two words are...
Hopefully, this composite will express in some small way the gratitude owed these courageous and selfless men and women.
The A-10 Warthogs are performing the "Missing Man" maneuver in honor of all those who have fallen in the service of their country.
All photos by RodS
Thank you for stopping by. Hope everyone has a good week.
Comments (32)
GrandmaT
Fabulous render and wonderful dedication to our Veterans. That was a marvelous thing they did for your Dad.
vitachick
Hope you don't mind but I copied the graphic and touching and true words and send via email to my friends...I mentioned you did the writting and graphic.. This is utterly fantastic!!!!!!!!!!!!! Salute to our Veterans who without we would not live in this great country safe and without worry... 10+
RodS
I don't mind a bit! :-D
Faemike55
Thank you! cannot rate this one high enough
magnus073
Rod, you did an outstanding job on this moving and very thoughtful dedication. I am so proud to know you.
tigertim
Salute... a wonderful dedication to your Dad, and to all armed forces fighting in the name of freedom. Your words, sobering and true..thank you IS NOT enough for sure... lest we forget. Love your render, your two girls and the F-16 with the oath of enlistment.. very cool!
ronmolina
Well done and very special!
mrestey
WOOOOOOOW! A superbly BEAUTIFUL image and commentary Rod! Awesome work. I will at this time refrain form expressing my sentiment on how poorly the veterans are treated by our own government. Truly, words are not enough as you say.
Razor42
Fantastic memorial and very moving words in tribute to your father. I have to agree, really saying Thank you hardly seems enough for the bravery and sacrifice of these people who have given so much in the service of country and to the ideal of freedom. Will will forever be indebted to the blood and sweat they shed which gives moisture to the mortar that holds together the foundation of the structure we call modern civilisation. Thanks for sharing this Rod!
MineFujiko
Thank you for sharing, RodS-san! Wonderful dedication to your great father!
Diemamker
Awesome Dedication to all of use veterans, both who paid the ultimate price for freedom, and those of us who live on... these words make us all proud to have served!!!...
mgtcs
Such a beautiful tribute Rod, amazing image and words, thank you for sharing with us, it is an honor!
barryjeffer
Amen.. and a heartfelt salute from one vet to another.
auntietk
A beautiful and heartfelt tribute, dear one. I'll be extra nice to hubby tomorrow. :)
AZisProductions
Well said and keep saying it!!!
misty7j3
Wonderful image and dedication!! Great job Rod...
eekdog
very well thought out tribute, Rod. i myself did not design one this year, super on zoom and very well done. thank you troops!!
Rhanagaz
Wonderful dedication to your father, Rod. The world owe US troops a lot for the effort during the two world wars - without, the world would have looked different - thank you..
drifterlee
Wonderful dedication, Rob!!!!!!
adrie
Outstanding and beautiful dedication Rod.
mickeyrony
Whow it is a great dedicace to all who desapeared . Your the top one whit this narrative moment Just one day is not an off for them . Be safe and smiling in your heart ((5++))
adorety
Beautiful tribute Rod! Heart warming and hear wrenching. Excellent job on putting this together. I salute you!
Cyve
FABULOUS WORK my friend... It's absolutely FANTASTIC !!!
pixeluna
The message is awe-inspiring, Big Bro. It's true, thank you is not enough--- that is one big sacrifice that our soldiers have given to our country. No amount of ribbons and medals could ever pay the lives lost and their dedicated service. This is a beautiful tribute and collage you made. :-)
Richardphotos
I agree one hundred percent with the words, but unfortunately there are companies that exist to make money off from war. they finance the elections for candidates that will vote for the same. they have no feelings about the families they destroy from the loss of a father,mother, or siblings. as long as they make their money everything is fine
MagikUnicorn
B E A U T Y
pimanjc
Well done.
FredNunes
An OUTSTANDING work and tribute!
bmac62
I am a day late Rod but the sentiment expressed is every bit as fresh and relative today and every day. Thanks for this...the girls look smashing in their uniforms. And thank you for your service!
junge1
Well said and very true. I joined the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW Post 6310 in Tolleson, Arizona about three years ago. To be eligible to join the VFW, the DD-214 must show that the member has served in a foreign country. Our meetings always start with pledging allegiance to the flag and a prayer - and end with a prayer. As a naturalized citizen I know exactly why I am here in the United States. In the United States we take freedom for granted, freedom of speech, religious choice, freedom of the press, even though it is sometimes a pain. But it takes servicemen, often sacrificing their lives, to assure that we continue to enjoy that freedom.
debbielove
I wish we did this for our Armed Forces, respected them as much.. Sadly they are treated badly here.. I dislike it so much.. This Render is one of the best tributes I've seen..ever! Well done Rob