Our family has always considered the approximate five weeks from Memorial Day to Independence Day as a time of patriotic observance and thankfulness for the liberties we enjoy.
We also have Flag Day on June 14. These few weeks seem an appropriate time to reflect on our past and look toward our great country's future.
Liberty is freedom from the restraint, power or control of another person or government. We have liberty because our forefathers fought for our freedom: the freedom to live, work, speak, think and worship as we choose.
But our freedom wasn't and still isn't free. Countless lives were lost in the War of Independence from England, and many more have been lost in the wars fought since — wars that have preserved our freedoms and way of life.
We owe a huge debt of gratitude and honor to those who have given their lives so we have the right to express ourselves freely, work at the job we desire and worship how we choose.
We also owe appreciation to our veterans, who have fought for our freedom, and our current military personnel who ensure that we continue to live in a free country.
I am proud to live in a military community and I am very thankful to the men and women ready to do whatever it takes to maintain our freedoms, even at the cost of their own lives.
As a Christian, I believe the ultimate freedom is the freedom we receive when we have salvation through Christ Jesus, freedom from sin and death, and eternal life.
The next time you are out and about and see one of our wonderful military members in uniform, don't forget to thank them for their service to our country.
From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your daily sacrifices on behalf of our freedom. You are true heroes!
Janice Lynn Crose lives in Crestview with her husband, Jim; her two rescue collies, Shane and Jasmine; and two cats, Kathryn and Prince Valiant.
Email listings of upcoming events to NorthOkaloosaHappenings@gmail.com.
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: CROSE: Thank military members for their service