But as I built my own running skills and ran my own races, it really matured into educating me on so many of those good causes. For instance, when I ran my first Frogman 5K, I was definitely appreciative of the cause – Operation 300 – but what was familiar and exciting to me prior to the race was being able to run such a beautiful course along the beach.
However, the education and growth that race gave me as a person was a turning point in my life. I had generally thought of the military more abstractly – heroes who made our nation free. But to see the memorial banners with biographies of each individual soldier who passed away and to experience the tremendous grief of Navy SEAL Aaron Vaughn’s family as they discussed their family member who had died serving our country really taught me the profound impact each service member has on each of us as citizens, but also that profound impact on their loved ones.
I think it must be incredibly difficult for families to not have that defined moment of saying goodbye to someone they love. To not have a specific awareness of how that loved one was feeling emotionally or physically when they passed away so far from home. There is certainty in the exceptionally high degree of honor, but there is so much uncertainty as to the personal nature of their loved one’s passing.
I was largely accustomed to Memorial Day basically being defined as a three day weekend, an extra day off work. But that is not only a travesty to those who have passed away to give you your American freedoms, but also a travesty to your own self. I think being aware of individual souls and their stories and their impacts in their families and communities is important to increasing your gratitude and respect for the daily benefits we all seem to so easily take for granted.
I think it is important to thank veterans for their service when you see them in person and recognize them, such as when they are wearing an identifying hat. I also think it is important to realize all the veterans you will never run into because they have given their lives that you may be free. There is a kind soul that you will never meet in person. There is a loved one you just passed by whose heart is not whole because they have been separated from their loved one through that loved one’s ultimate sacrifice for us all. There is an upfront parking space available for you because there is someone who has passed away who will never be able to run into the store again.
Those who serve in the military are not some distant group of heroes who do not specifically relate to you – their sacrifice is ever present in all of the substance of your daily life. Their sacrifice is ever present in their loved ones who you meet. Their loss is ever present at every single place you live or work. Their loss is ever present in every freedom we enjoy.
Your life is inherently affected by the sacrifice of an individual who served in the American Military. Take a moment to contemplate this impact and its affect on your respect and gratitude. You’ve got this!
—
iStock image
