Remembering The Sacrifice

I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day, and I

also hope that it wasn't just a picnic, or a work day,

or a holiday, but a day you took to remember those 

who have died in the service of our country.

I was recently contacted by Ray Trosper, a

classmate from high school who has started

a project to remember those who have given the

ultimate price.

He sent me copies of the coins that he has designed in

an effort to help remember those who have paid the

ultimate sacrifice.  He spoke last year at the Riverside

National Cemetery in Riverside, CA on this project. Ray

served in the Armed Forces of our country and is very

active in promoting awareness of the sacrifice made by those

who have served.

The following are the 21's of Military Sacrifice:

We are living in the 21st Century.

There is a 21 gun salute fired as a military honor.

There is a 21 second pause at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

The year 1776, the birth of our country, when the numbers 

are added up, they equal 21.

Ray's American Legion District in California is District 21.

09/11/01 - The calendar date when added up is 21.

Ray's project 21 Seconds Now is proposing a greater

remembrance of those who have given their lives in

war.  You can watch his speech in the above link.

Ray and his wife actively participate in parades, and 

these coins have been designed to hand out during

the parades.  

I am so proud of my handsome father, who served

for five years in the United States Army during

WWII.  He was stationed for over 4 years in 

Iceland and then was  in the second wave to hit

the beaches of Normandy.  Fortunately he was 

wounded ten days into France and was sent

stateside to recover.  Many in his company were

not so blessed, and they died in France. 

 He met and married my mother

during the war while recuperating and having

his surgery at Hill Air Force Base in Utah. 

We spent part of Memorial Day sharing

my dad's experiences with the kids, and

my husband spent a large part reading the

life story of my dad which I have written.

May we always remember.

I honor those who willingly put their lives at

risk for our safety and freedoms.  

May we all honor and respect those who have fallen,

and those whose lives were preserved by the

divine hand of God.  

Thanks Ray for sharing with us your wonderful

project.