On May 29th, 2002, my husband and I had the honor of attending the graduation of our neighbor Damon Field from the United States Air Force Academy. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld gave the commencement speech. Not only did he bring every member of the audience to tears with his honest words of encouragement and praise for the cadets who would be thrust into the face of war, but he handed out each and every diploma and shook the hand of each and every graduate....1,000 graduates! We watched Damon grow from a 6 year old little boy into an incredible man, husband and father. Today, Damon continues to serve in the Air Force.
Fortunately as far as I have learned from my search, none from that class of 2002 have fallen in battle. But today is the day we remember and honor those who have given all. The Air Force Academy has dedicated a wall of remembrance to all graduates who have died in service to America. Volunteers helped to make this wall a reality.
A few years ago, I remember walking through an airport and seeing a big, strong, military fit kind of man wearing a tee-shirt that read simply "John 13:15". I went home and looked up the verse.
"Greater love has no man than he who would lay down his life for a friend."
Today is the day we honor and remember those
who have such profound love.
who have such profound love.
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