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Wordless Wednesday – Freedom is Not a Gift

Veteran’s Cemetary – Knoxville, Tennessee

Wreaths Across America volunteers placed Christmas Wreaths alongside the headstones in our local Veteran’s Cemetary. I walked through there today. It’s a solemn place. The decorations are beautiful and a fitting tribute to these brave Americans who sacrificed so much for our country. In this time of celebration, we should remember that freedom is not a gift–it’s earned.

12 thoughts on “Wordless Wednesday – Freedom is Not a Gift

  1. Thanks for your service and sharing this great tribute, brother! 👏🏻 My brother served in the Vietnam, lives in central Illinois and I am sharing your post with him! May Helen and you have a Blessed Christmas. 🙏 🧡

    1. Dan,
      Anyone who served in Vietnam is a hero. Thank your brother for me. Wishing you and Nancy the Merriest Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and happiness. See you in church. Joe

  2. Joe, I totally agree. There’s a feeling of awe. Ive been to Arlington twice and visited Billy Bishop at the Vietnam wall. Its a good , but sad feeling. I find myself tearing up at the wall when I think what could have been for Billy. Here’s a salute to all of our veterans. Merry Xmas.

    1. Merry Christmas, Mike,
      I visited Arlington and the Wall about five years ago and saw Bill’s name along with Chip and Mike Dawson, a fellow BHS classmate. It is an overpowering experience, especially considering the cost of lives with so little result. Great to hear from you. Joe

    1. Good morning, Donna,
      The Cemetary is very close to our house, and I drive by it almost daily. The headstones lined up in a symmetrical pattern are a constant reminder to thank those resting there for their service and sacrifice. The wreaths were a lovely way to honor those brave souls. Merry Christmas, Donna. I eagerly look forward to what’s ahead from Retirement Reflections in the New Year. Joe

    1. Hi, Luanne,
      You’re welcome. Serving our country was an honor and a privilege. We send best wishes to you and your family for a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and happiness. Joe

  3. The hustle and bustle of the holidays often distracts us from the true reason for the Christmas season. Your poignant photo, Joe, reminds us of the gift of freedom and those who paid for it. Thank you for your service and for reminding us how appropriate gratitude is for the efforts of the men and women whose sacrifices allow us to truly and freely enjoy the holiday season. Hugs to you and Helen along with our very best wishes for a merry and blessed Christmas!

    1. Hey!
      Mary, serving my country was an honor and a privilege, and I have been repaid many times over, but others gave more. I drive by the Cemetary almost daily, but the wreaths added a lovely touch to the headstones this year and made quite a tribute to those brave people who gave so much. Wishing you and Alan a very Merry Christmas. Please stay in touch. Joe

  4. This is such a beautiful and poignant remembrance, Joe.

    We wish you and Helen a joyous holiday, and look forward to seeing you two in the coming year.

    1. Merry Christmas, Laurel,
      All our best to you and Eric. Hope your New Year is filled with happiness and joy and that the move is a smooth one. Great to hear from you. Joe

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