The News-Courier in Athens, Alabama

Opinion

June 21, 2009

Say an extra prayer for those who risk all for us

The price of freedom.

We probably don’t think much about this subject during the course of our busy daily lives.

As we stood under the hot sun Friday afternoon, bidding farewell to the local 203rd Military Police Battalion National Guard unit, we thought of what is yet to come.

For the 80 members who will be serving our country on foreign soil, their lives will change forever. Separation from family and friends will only be a small part of their sacrifice.

Those who remain here while the unit is away will also need our support.

The deployment ceremony opened with prayer and closed with prayer, not because we are deep in the heart of the Bible belt but because we are “One nation under God.” At moments such as this, when we come face to face with the cost of the freedoms we all enjoy, we realize anew the highest price we pay is in the lives of the men and women sent to foreign lands, possibly never to return.

While many of you are enjoying your extra cup of coffee this morning or attending church, this brave group will be departing from Huntsville International Airport.

Say an extra prayer for them.

These men and women are risking it all for us – we the people.

What an honor it was to stand in their midst.

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