Freedom isn’t Free!

I got these two photos through email from one of my valued clients.  They both gave me chills as I stared at them.  See full size images here: Both reminded me that the freedom we all enjoy in this country comes at a great price.  As you celebrate this Independence Day, say a thank you to all those who have and who will fight to keep us safe and free!  Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Can't believe I was with him on his final trip home

Todd Heisler - The Rocky Mountain News

When 2nd Lt. James Cathey’s body arrived at the Reno Airport, Marines climbed into the cargo hold of the plane and draped the flag over his casket as passengers watched the family gather on the tarmac.

During the arrival of another Marine’s casket last year at Denver International Airport , Major Steve Beck described the scene as so powerful:  ’See the people in the windows?  They sat right there in the plane, watching those Marines.  You’ve gotta wonder what’s going through their minds, knowing that they’re on the plane that brought him home,’ he said. ‘They will remember being on that plane for the rest of their lives. They’re going to remember bringing that Marine home.  And they should.’

One last night together

The night before the burial of her husband’s body, Katherine Cathey refused to leave the casket, asking to sleep next to his body for the last time The Marines made a bed for her, tucking in the sheets below the flag.  Before she fell asleep, she opened her laptop computer and played songs that reminded her of ‘Cat,’ and one of the Marines asked if she wanted them to continue standing watch as she slept.  She said, ‘I think it would be kind of nice if you kept doing it, I think that’s what he would have wanted.’