Freedom Isn't Free

Memorial Day always stirs in my heart an extra boost of love and pride for our military and their families.  This year was no different.  There are hardly words to express gratitude to the countless men and women that serve our country at great sacrifice to themselves and their loved ones.  I don't often post things on this blog that don't specifically relate to my family, but the experience I had this week is one I hope to always remember.

May 14, a young soldier named Cody Towse from Elk Ridge, Utah was killed in Afghanistan.  He was serving as a medic and was helping a fallen soldier when a bomb exploded killing him.  I can't tell you how many tears I've cried for this young man's family.  While I know he's not the first soldier to be killed in combat from Utah, for some reason this one has seriously affected me.  I don't even know him or his family.  Yet, my heart still breaks for these parents who have had to bury their son and will feel this loss the rest of their lives.  I think what has affected me the most is one of his last Facebook posts.  He wrote, " “I feel like Afghanistan is becoming another forgotten war, but our brigade lost five men a few days ago and I can’t stand that most people will never even hear about it.”   These men and women who protect and defend deserve our utmost respect.  No matter your political beliefs, please be grateful and express that gratitude for all they do for our country. 

Wednesday, May 29, his body was returned to his family to be laid to rest with full military honors.  His dad had flown out to Delaware to escort him home.  They landed at the Provo airport where a procession of local police, firefighters, paramedics and military vehicles and personnel escorted his American flag draped casket home.

I was compelled to be a part of honoring him, Jared felt the same.  Center Street in Provo was lined with people holding flags and showing their respect for Cody's ultimate sacrifice.  Main Street in Spanish Fork clear to Elk Ridge was also lined with those showing their love and respect.  It was an awesome sight.

  
I stood with tears pouring down my face, my hand over my heart with love and respect for this soldier.  His love of country and family, his ultimate sacrifice and his family's loss is truly inspiring.  My prayer is that his family can feel the peace that comes from our Heavenly Father in the most difficult of circumstances and that Cody can see that his sacrifice was not in vain.  Please, offer up a prayer tonight for this sweet family and for all our service men and women all over the world.  They need our love and support.