My country ’tis of thee, Sweet Land of liberty, Of thee I sing; Land where my fathers died, Land of the pilgrims’ pride, From every mountain side, Let Freedom ring.

“America“ – Samuel Francis Smith & Henry Carey

We took a trip yesterday to Fort Smith, Arkansas and visited the Fort Smith National Cemetery. We had never visited a National Cemetery before so we took advantage of the opportunity. What a sobering experience to see thousands of white headstones standing silently. As we proceeded in awe through the grounds, I felt something inside of me rise. I have always respected our founding fathers and those that have and are serving our country but a new level arose within me that day. Thousand upon thousands have served this country for all of us to live freely.

Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.

John 15:13

As we walked through in silence, we started noticing so many Unknown Soldiers. It was absolutely heart breaking. They varied from 1 to 30 buried together while sharing the same white stone marker. You talk about heart-wrenching. I literally held my hand over my mouth and stomach as I fought back tears. I found myself wanting to fall on my knees right there and thank God for our Freedom. To me, it didn’t matter if it was a Union soldier or Confederate soldier. What mattered was they selflessly put their life on the line to establish this country and it’s freedoms. From 1819 to 2020, the Fort Smith National Cemetery has been filled with brave men and women who laid down their lives so you and I can live in freedom.

If you have never visited one of our National Cemetery’s, I strongly suggest you do. It’s an experience you will never forget.

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re·spect /rəˈspekt/ noun 1. a feeling of deep admiration for someone or something elicited by their abilities, qualities, or achievements. 2. due regard for the feelings, wishes, rights, or traditions of others.

May we think of freedom, not as the right to do as we please, but as the opportunity to do why is right.

Peter Marshall

Respect. Something that I feel like our nation lacks. No matter what political race you are of, respect is lacking and it’s what we’re all longing for. Due with the recent turn of events, I have found myself making sure I show even more respect to others around me.

The best way to earn respect is to give respect.

I like to see a man proud of the place in which he lives. I like to see a man live so that his place will be proud of him.

Abraham Lincoln

We as citizens of such a great country need to learn how to show better respect to one another and to those who have and are fighting for our country. Take time to learn of our nations history. Even if it’s simply visiting a National Cemetery. Just see if it don’t give you a sobering knot in the back of your throat.