Stories…they shape our lives. They inspire, educate, motivate, and illustrate. They clarify and entertain. They enrich and sanctify our memories. Stories stay with us—often for a lifetime.

America was not handed freedom as a gift. Liberty was not bartered at a treaty table. This country was not bequeathed independence by a benevolent tyrant. America fought for freedom.

Our nation was born in the crucible of war. Independence was declared and liberty secured because courageous men and women chose to risk a “leap in the dark” over the inevitable dismal prospect of subjugation.

As Americans, we gather for times to reflect and honor the lives of fallen men and women who served our nation, and we should do so with great gratitude. They fought and gave their lives for our freedom…