05/25/2026
🇺🇸 A Memorial Day Reflection 🇺🇸
This beautifully written message was shared by one of our veterans, Bro. Doug Zizzi. It is a bit longer than our usual posts, but we promise it is worth the time to read to the end. Take a quiet moment today to reflect with us:
“Uncommon valor was a common virtue.” Was engraved and immortalized on the base of the Iwo Jima memorial in Arlington, Virginia. This famous quote was spoken by Admiral Chester W. Nimitz not only to the Marines who stormed the volcanic beachhead on Iwo Jima, but rather to all who were serving in the greater conflict of WWII. This ethos lives on in every man and woman who raises their right hand taking the oath to support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America against all enemies, foreign and domestic. To the Air Force and their “PJs,” who risk everything, inserting deep behind enemy lines to rescue a downed airman so that no one is ever left behind. To the Navy cook, preparing meals in the small, confined mess hall galley aboard a nuclear-powered sub, deep in the cold darkness of the vast oceans, silently waiting. To the Army helicopter mechanics that keep the birds in the air so that America’s premier Tier 1 special operators can take the fight to the enemy while the rest of us sleep at night. To the USMC expeditionary forces, forward deployed, who stand ready at a moment's notice to engage and overcome any obstacle. To the Coast Guard, who is constantly engaged with the forces of evil, interdicting the never-ceasing stream of poison destined for our shores that has so ravaged our communities. To the families of our service members who anxiously wait for their loved ones’ safe return. To the beloved Gold Star families’ soul-piercing cries as the solemn bugler plays Taps. I had the honor and privilege of participating in the 21-gun salute at a military funeral. I vividly remember the stoic honor guard folding Old Glory into a perfect triangle and handing it to an inconsolable mom. I am forever haunted by this memory. I say haunted but not broken. I am haunted by the devastating cost of sin in a broken world; but glory to God, I am known by One who made the Supreme sacrifice above all sacrifices. Emmanuel, God with us, who freely stepped into this world and gave His life as a ransom for those that would call upon His name by faith and believe. The King of kings is the only Hope for humanity, for the Peace that surpasses understanding and anything less than this is the definition of absurdity. Christ Alone be the Glory for evermore. Amen! On this Memorial Day may we stop and reflect upon the innumerable sacrifices made by so many before us and give thanks. For the service men and women who are currently serving and for those who are in harm's way this very hour, Godspeed for victory and the safe passage home!
